Morphometrical and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Kidney as an Indirect Parameter to Estimate Age in Puppies in Veterinary Forensic Pathology.

Estimation of age represents a central focus in the veterinary forensic pathology field. Currently, the visual examination of the dentition and the skeletal age are the main methods to estimate the age of puppies. Nevertheless, these methods are affected by a broad range of variables. In contrast, the kidney is characterized by a specific postnatal development. In human glomerulogenesis, fetal mesangial cells change their immunohistochemical phenotypes with maturation. Therefore, we hypothesized that histological and immunohistochemical examinations of the kidney can be used together as an indirect parameter for age determination in puppies' cadavers. Forty-five puppies' cadavers were divided into five groups defined by age (Group A= 0-15 days, Group B = 16-45 days, Group C = 46-85 days, Group D = 86-105 days, Group E= 105-365 days). For each case, kidney samples were collected and processed for histopathological (for morphometrical study of the glomerulus) and immunohistochemical (for the immunolocalization of the α-SMA protein) studies. Morphometrical study allowed us to observe statistical differences in the mean glomerulus numbers per field among assessed groups. Similarly, immunohistochemical examination showed differences in SMA expression among groups. Our findings suggest a potential use of kidney morphometrical and immunohistochemical examinations together as an indirect parameter to assess the age of illegally imported puppies.

Electroretinography, Ocular Ultrasonography, and Phacoemulsification of Bilateral Cataracts in Two Juvenile Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) of the Mediterranean Region.

Bilateral cataracts were diagnosed in two rescued juvenile, immature loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), weighing 1.65 and 1.7 kg. Both animals showed vision impairment and difficulty in feeding without assistance. In fact, they did not notice the presence of the food in the tank unless it was brought close to touching the mouth. Ocular ultrasonography and electroretinography showed no lesions of the vitreal body and retinal layer, therefore, both animals were candidates for bilateral cataract surgery. Topical administration of tropicamide + phenylephrine alternating with rocuronium resulted in only minimal mydriasis. Administration of intracameral rocuronium did not improve mydriasis. Phacoemulsification using a one-handed technique was performed bilaterally with a phacoemulsification device (Sovereign, AMO (Abbott Medical Optics®). After surgery, the systemic anti-inflammatory drug (dexamethasone 0.2 mg/kg, IM daily for one week) and antibiotics (enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg IM q 72 h, for 4 weeks; ceftazidime 20 mg/kg IM q 72 h for 3 weeks) were administered. Topical ofloxacin, flurbiprofen and tobramycin/dexamethasone were instilled TID for 4 weeks. Both turtles regained vision in both eyes. Results at a 10-month follow-up were satisfactory. This is the first report of cataracts in turtles rescued in the Mediterranean Sea and the first description of surgical treatment of cataracts in loggerhead turtles so young.

Computed Tomographic Assessment of Pituitary Gland Dimensions in Domestic Short-Haired Cats.

The detection of subtle changes in the pituitary dimensions has relevant clinical implications. In cats, a few studies have established the cut-off values of the pituitary gland's dimensions using small and inhomogeneous samples. The aims of this study were: to determine by computed tomography (CT) the pituitary linear dimensions and the pituitary-to-brain (P:B) ratio in a sample of domestic short-haired (DSH) cats; to assess the effects of sex, age, and weight on pituitary dimensions; and to evaluate the inter- and intra-observer agreement for such measurements. All skull CTs of DSH cats performed over four years using a multidetector CT and a standardized protocol were retrospectively reviewed. The exclusion criteria were: clinical, laboratory, or CT alterations of the pituitary gland, brain diseases, fractures of the neurocranium, and diabetes. The pituitary dimensions and brain area were assessed by two different observers using multiplanar reconstructions and automated segmentation tools. Fifty-one cats were included in the final sample. The intraclass correlation coefficients for intra- and inter-observer reliability were good/excellent, and moderate/good, respectively. No differences between sexes were detected, and negligible correlations were found between age and weight. According to this study, a pituitary gland with a height > 4 mm or a P:B ratio > 0.49 mm should be considered enlarged.

Retrobulbar Filling for Enophthalmos Treatment in Dogs: Technique, Description and Computed-Tomographic Evaluation. Preliminary Cadaveric Study.

A new therapeutic approach for enophthalmos may be retrobulbar lipofilling. This study aims to standardize the intraconal filling technique and to evaluate the degree of eyeball displacement by computed tomography (CT). Skull CT was performed on six dog cadavers before and after intraconal injection of two 5% iodinated, viscoelastic solutions, one per eye, using an ultrasound-guided supratemporal approach. The volume to be injected was calculated using formulas for retrobulbar cone anesthesia. After CT, the dogs underwent necropsy and histopathology to evaluate damages that eventually occurred to retrobulbar structures. Eyeball displacement was estimated using two CT-based methods, named M1 and M2. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed no significant difference between the two injected materials in both M1 (p > 0.99), and M2 (lateral p = 0.84 and rostral p = 0.84 displacement). A statistically significant difference was found between the pre- and post-injection group M1 (p = 0.002), M2 (p = 0.004) for the lateral and (p = 0.003) for rostral displacement. Although the slight eyeball displacement, the retrobulbar filling can lead to enophthalmos resolution. Compared to M1, the M2 method has better-defined anatomical landmarks. Further, preclinical in vivo studies are necessary to assess retrobulbar filling efficacy and safety.

Efficacy of oral, topical and extended-release injectable formulations of moxidectin combined with doxycycline in Dirofilaria immitis naturally infected dogs.

BACKGROUND: Several studies in both experimentally and naturally infected dogs have reported the adulticide effect of a combination of macrocyclic lactones and doxycycline against Dirofilaria immitis, showing that these protocols can be used as an alternative to melarsomine. The present study evaluated the efficacy of oral, topical and extended-release injectable formulations of moxidectin when combined with doxycycline in dogs naturally infected with D. immitis from a shelter located in southern Italy. METHODS: Thirty dogs with naturally acquired D. immitis infection were divided in three groups (G) and treated with oral moxidectin (G1) once a month for 9 consecutive months, topical moxidectin (G2) once a month for 9 consecutive months or extended release moxidectin injectable (G3) at enrolment and again at 6 months (Day 180). All treatment groups received doxycycline for the first 30 days. Microfilarial concentrations in 1 ml (mff/ml) blood were determined monthly for 9 months with the modified Knott's test. A clinical scoring system was employed for each dog enrolled in the study based on thoracic radiography and cardiac ultrasound (CU) examinations performed at Day - 15 (before treatment) and at Day 180. RESULTS: Results from the present study suggest that the majority of dogs from all treatment groups became antigen negative, as evaluated at Day 270: 9/10 dogs (90.0%) from G1, 6/10 dogs (60.0%) from G2 and 8/10 dogs (80.0%) from G3. Improvement of radiographic alterations was observed in all treatment groups, and almost all dogs were cleared of pulmonary abnormalities by 6 months from the beginning of treatment (P = 0.000). Cardiac ultrasound examination showed a progressive improvement of cardiac function in a limited number of animals (4/30). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of doxycycline and three different formulations of moxidectin leads to antigen-negative status in naturally infected dogs.

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

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

Imaging techniques in veterinary medicine. Part II: Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine.

Radiography and ultrasonography are the most used techniques in veterinary clinical practice, due to organizational, managerial and, mostly, economic reasons. However, in the last decades, Computed tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and, to a lesser extent, Nuclear Medicine (MN) are increasingly used. As we said in the previous article, all the Diagnostic Imaging techniques are actually "indispensable" in Veterinary Medicine, where many patients do not show any symptoms.This second part describes Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance (MRI) and Nuclear Medicine techniques in Veterinary Medicine are described.

Symblepharon, Ankyloblepharon, and Salt Gland Dysfunction in a Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta).

Adhesions involving the bulbar and the palpebral conjunctiva (Symblepharon) may interfere with tear drainage, cause chronic conjunctivitis, and reduce ocular motility. This condition may be associated with adhesion of the edges of the upper and lower eyelids (ankyloblepharon). The present case describes bilateral symblepharon, ankyloblepharon and salt gland dysfunction in a juvenile Caretta caretta. The loggerhead presented both eyelids swollen, ulcerated, and not separable when rescued. Eye examination was not possible, but ultrasonography showed right bulbar integrity, while the left eye was smaller, with a thicker cornea that had lost its normal doubled lined structure. Surgical dissection of the fibrous adhesions between the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and third eyelid was performed, and large dacryoliths were removed. The microscopic findings were consistent with chronic keratoconjunctivitis. Ultrastructurally, no virus-like particles were observed. In addition, tissue samples were negative for herpesvirus by qualitative PCR. The eyelids of both eyes and the corneal epithelium of the right eye healed; moreover, the vision was restored in the right eye. There were no recurrences after 12 months of follow-up, and the turtle was released 16 months after the end of treatments on the southern Tyrrhenian coast in the western Mediterranean Sea. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of symblepharon with ankyloblepharon and salt gland dysfunction in Caretta caretta turtle. Ocular ultrasonography was helpful in the preliminary diagnostic work-up.

Description of a low-cost picture archiving and communication system based on network-attached storage.

High costs for installing, maintaining, and updating a standard picture archiving and communication system (PACS) can be prohibitive for small/medium-sized veterinary facilities. The aims of this prospective, exploratory study were to describe the design, implementation, and author experiences for 1 year's use of a low-cost PACS based on network-attached storage. The system described here was easily installed and resiliently stored redundant copies of data. It excellently balanced data recovery, system speed, security, and available memory for storage. A virtual private network also allowed off-site data review. This system can also be used for future off-site backup of data in the cloud.

Effects of Oral Administration of Lepidium meyenii on Morphology of Mice Testis and Motility of Epididymal Sperm Cells After Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure.

Background: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration is associated with testicular damage and reduced semen quality. Oral administration of Lepidium Meyenii (maca) improves spermatogenesis and sperm motility and count and reduces spermatogenic damage. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of administration of THC, maca, and their combination on testicular tissue and semen parameters. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six-week-old male mice were classified into control, THC, Maca, and THC + Maca groups. The mice were subjected to Eco Color Doppler ultrasound examination of the testicles before and after treatment. After euthanasia, the epididymis, testes, liver, and kidney were collected for histological examination. For morphometry of the testis, tubular diameters and seminiferous epithelium height were measured. Sperm concentration and sperm motilities were assessed. Differences among the groups were assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post-hoc test. Results: In all the groups, there were no significant changes in testicular morphology before and after treatment. Histological assessment of the testes showed no alterations in control, no significant alterations in Maca, mild to moderate alterations in THC, and mild alterations in THC + Maca groups. Histological examination of the other organs showed no significant differences among the groups. Tubular diameter showed significantly increased thickening for THC and THC + Maca compared with that for Maca and control. Moreover, seminiferous epithelium height decreased for THC compared with that in the control, Maca, and THC + Maca groups. No statistically significant reduction in the spermatogenic index was observed for THC compared with that for Maca and THC + Maca. Epididymal cross-sections of the groups showed no significant alterations. Sperm concentration and motility were higher for control and THC + Maca groups than in group THC and Maca. Conclusion: In vivo maca administration reduced the deleterious effect of THC on testicular parenchyma and semen production.

Imaging techniques in Veterinary Medicine. Part I: Radiography and Ultrasonography.

In Veterinary Medicine all the Imaging techniques are used and described but, due to organizational, managerial and, mostly, economical reasons, Radiography and Ultrasonography are the most used. Veterinary Radiology teaching has a relatively small number of educational credits in the degree courses but, nowday, educational opportunities are remarkably increased thanks to a number of post-degree courses and masters, organized both by the universities and private veterinary associations. The relevance of Diagnostic Imaging is particularly true in Veterinary Medicine, in which Radiology could be considered "indispensable" for diagnosis, prognosis and follow up. Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that the diagnostic image represents a "document" and, has a relevant role in legal medical debats. In this first part, Radiography and Ultrasonography are described.

A computed tomography-based method for the assessment of canine retrobulbar cone volume for ophthalmic anaesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a comprehensive formula for calculating the volume of local anaesthetic solution used for retrobulbar anaesthesia in dogs with different skull morphologies. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort imaging study. ANIMALS: Skull computed tomography (CT) images of 188 dogs of different breeds collected between January 2009 and December 2017. METHODS: Anatomical integrity of the orbit and adjacent structures, presenting complaint, clinical signs and CT findings were verified to exclude ocular abnormalities. The volume of the retrobulbar cone of 376 eyes was calculated using CT scans of the dogs' skulls. Additional data recorded included morphology of the skull, body weight, sex and size of the dogs, all of which were matched for possible association to the retrobulbar cone volume through univariable and multivariable linear regression models. Results of linear regression models were expressed as estimated beta coefficients with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). RESULTS: Using univariate analysis, the retrobulbar cone volume was positively associated with weight and male sex. In addition, brachycephalic and dolichocephalic dogs showed a larger retrobulbar cone volume than mesocephalic dogs, while sex was no longer significantly associated with the retrobulbar cone volume. In multivariate analysis, when considering all variables in the model, weight emerged as the strongest predictor (beta coefficient: 0.062 mL kg-1, 95% CI: 0.056-0.067 mL kg-1, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: and clinical relevance In the veterinary literature, there is no agreement on the precise volume of local anaesthetic solution that should be used to achieve intraconal retrobulbar anaesthesia in dogs. Here we suggest a formula to calculate the retrobulbar cone volume and, accordingly, the injection volume of local anaesthetic solution for effective retrobulbar anaesthesia.

COMPARISON OF INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE MEASUREMENT USING REBOUND AND APPLANATION TONOMETRY IN LOGGERHEAD (CARETTA CARETTA) SEA TURTLES.

This study aimed to evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) estimates in healthy eyes of Caretta caretta using rebound tonometry in comparison with applanation tonometry. Twenty-three healthy C. caretta (housed at the Marine Turtle Research Center) without preexisting ophthalmic disease were enrolled in the study. IOP measurements were obtained by the same ophthalmologist, with the turtle in ventral recumbency between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., using a rebound tonometer (RT; TonoVet) in dog calibration mode, and after topical anesthesia, an applanation tonometer (AT; Tono-Pen) in both eyes. The average of three readings per instrument was used for analysis. The agreement between the two tonometers was assessed by Bland-Altman analysis and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Moreover, differences in IOP between the two tonometers were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. Moderate agreement was found between the two tonometers (ICC, 0.663; 95% confidence interval, 0.206-0.857). The median, Q1, and Q3 IOP obtained with AT (6.2, 4.7, and 9.1 mm Hg) were significantly lower (P = 0.001) than that obtained with RT (9.7, 8.3, and 11.6 mm Hg). It was not possible to obtain an instrument automatically generated mean of four values with AT because of retraction of the globe by the animals, and IOP measurement was unsuccessful in 7 eyes. In conclusion, IOP readings from the RT were statistically higher than those from the AT. RT proved to be more feasible because of the light, short-lasting contact with the cornea.

The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treatment of Tenodesmic Lesions in Horses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical and Experimental Data.

The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to enhance tenodesmic lesion healing has been questioned over the years. The aim of this study was to evaluate current literature to establish the effectiveness of PRP for treating tenodesmic lesions through a systematic review, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, and a meta-analysis. Studies comparing PRP with placebo or other treatments for horses with tenodesmic injuries or evaluated PRP effect on tendon and ligament explants were included. Outcomes were clinical, ultrasound, histologic, molecular evaluation, and adverse effects. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed each study's risk of bias. Treatment effects were evaluated using risk ratios for dichotomous data, together with 95% CI. Data were pooled using the random-effects model. The quality of the evidence for each outcome was assessed using GRADE criteria. Twenty-four trials met inclusion criteria for systematic review, while fifteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Results showed no significant differences in the outcomes between PRP and control groups. Finally, there is no definitive evidence that PRP enhances tendons and ligaments healing. Therefore, there is a need for more controlled trials to draw a firmer conclusion about the efficacy of PRP as a treatment for tenodesmic lesions in the horse.

Perosomus Elumbis in Piglets: Pathological, Radiological and Cytogenetic Findings.

Perosomus elumbis (PE) is a rare congenital condition characterized by agenesis of the lumbar, sacral and coccygeal vertebrae. Perosomus elumbis has rarely been reported in literature as morphological description of singles or few cases. Here we report the first extensive description of eight cases of PE detected in two consecutive litters from the same parents of Casertana pig breed. In August 2018, eight piglets were investigated for multiple malformations. All malformed animals, but one, died in the first day of life. The survivor piglet died at 23 days of age. Pathological, radiological and cytogenetic examination was performed. Furthermore, a farm epidemiological investigation was carried out to investigate the percentage of piglets born dead or with malformations in 2018. The radiological and pathological exams showed skeletal abnormalities at the spinal cord level and visceral malformations. Cytogenetic investigations showed a normal chromosome arrangement. Finally, epidemiological investigation revealed a low prevalence of malformations in newborn pigs, equal to 0.5% of the total birth rate of the farm. Our findings report the first extensive description of PE cases in pigs and suggest an underestimation of this malformation in veterinary medicine. Our findings also suggest a specific genetic etiological basis as cause of PE in pigs and exclude chromosomal abnormalities. Further studies will be performed to confirm this hypothesis.

Ultrasonographic measurement of kidney-to-aorta parameters in Whippets.

In a previous study, an ultrasonographic method to assess kidney size in dogs as a ratio of kidney length to aortic luminal diameter (KL/AoD ratio) was proposed. The main limitation of this method was the wide range of normal values (5.5-9.1), which resulted in poor sensitivity and specificity. The aim of this prospective, observational, reference interval study was to determine whether the KL/AoD normal cut-off values in a single breed (Whippets) would have a narrower range than the previously reported normal reference ranges. The influence of sex, age, weight, and side on kidney length (KL) and of sex, age, weight, and scanning plane (longitudinal vs transversal) on aortic luminal diameter (AoD) were also investigated. Thirty-six clinically healthy Whippets (16 males, 20 females) without ultrasonographic renal lesions were included in this study. The 95% confidence interval of mean KL/AoD was found to be narrower than the previously reported range (ie, 6.3-6.9 versus 5.5-9.1). This was considered to be especially notable in that the KL in this breed exhibits marked sexual dimorphism. The KL/AoD ratio did not differ between right versus left sides or male versus female sexes in Whippets (P > .05). Findings from the current study provided KL/AoD ratio normal reference range cut-off values for future use in Whippets and supported the use of breed-specific KL/AoD ratio values for characterizing abnormal renal size in other canine breeds.

An ultrasound-guided subparaneural approach to the sciatic nerve in the dog: a cadaver study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the gross and microscopic anatomy of the sciatic nerve paraneural sheath and to report an ultrasound (US)-guided subparaneural approach to the sciatic nerve in dogs, comparing two different volumes of injectate. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, anatomical study. ANIMALS: A group of nine middle-sized adult Mongrel canine cadavers (18 limbs). METHODS: The sciatic nerves of three pelvic limbs of two canine cadavers were identified, exposed and isolated between the greater trochanter and the popliteal fossa for gross anatomical and microscopic examination. An additional three pelvic limbs were surgically dissected on the lateral surface of the limb; the sciatic nerves were isolated, and a 26 gauge over-the-needle catheter was inserted through the paraneural sheath under direct visualization. A methylene blue solution was then slowly injected into the subparaneural compartment through the catheter under US visualization using an 8-13 MHz linear-array transducer. Subsequently, 12 pelvic limbs (six cadavers) were randomly allocated to one of two groups; using US-guided percutaneous subparaneural approach, either 0.1 or 0.05 mL kg-1of a 1:1 solution of methylene blue and 0.5% bupivacaine was injected. The spread of the dye solution and the amount of nerve staining were macroscopically scored. The stained sciatic nerves with their sheaths were then harvested for microscopic examination. RESULTS: The paraneural sciatic nerve sheath was easily identified distinct from the nerve trunk both macroscopically and with US visualization, and microscopically. Complete staining was achieved in five of six (83.3%) sciatic nerves in each group; no difference was found in the amount of staining between the two groups. Microscopically, no signs of sciatic nerve intraneural injection were observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The US-guided subparaneural injection of 0.05 mL kg-1 of a dye injectate resulted in satisfactory nerve staining without evidence of sciatic nerve intraneural injection.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous antegrade pyelography for suspected ureteral obstruction in 6 pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus).

OBJECTIVES: To describe the feasibility and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous antegrade pyelography (US-PAP) in pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) with suspected ureteral obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six adult pet guinea pigs (4 females and 2 males, all intact) were evaluated for suspected ureteral obstruction. The mean weight of the guinea pigs was 0.8 ± 0.25 kg (range 0.4-1.1 kg), and mean age was 4.07 ± 1.63 years (range 2-7 years). All animals were free from comorbid diseases, had clinical signs of urologic disease and were referred based on either strong clinical suspicion of, or diagnostic imaging of ureteral obstruction. Data on signalment and clinical examination findings, response to anaesthesia and imaging findings were recorded. RESULTS: Partial ureteral obstruction was confirmed in all guinea pigs but one, in which a complete ureteral obstruction occurred. Uroliths were in both ureters of 5 cases and in both the left renal pelvis and ureters in 1 case. All guinea pigs showed a normal appetite and regular defaecation within 2 h following the procedure. No intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications were encountered after the procedure. The only complication was contrast medium leakages in the subcapsular perinephric, retroperitoneal and, in one case, peritoneal space, which caused no overt clinical consequences afterwards. In one male patient, mobilisation of the ureteral calculus occurred and the urolith was found in the urinary bladder on the radiograph taken after contrast medium injection. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The US-PAP technique is a useful, safe and easy-to-perform diagnostic tool in guinea pigs with hydronephrosis and hydroureter.

Ultrasonographic assessment of normal jugular veins in Standardbred horses.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography (US) is the recommended imaging technique to evaluate jugular veins. This prospective randomized clinical study was designed to collect a series of B-mode US measurements of manually distended jugular veins in healthy Italian Standardbreds and to find possible correlations between ultrasound measurements and animal morphometric characteristics. Forty-two horses, eight males and 34 females (range 3-22 years; bodyweight 494.4 ± 41.7 kg), were included in the study. The diameters and wall thicknesses of both jugular veins were measured at three different sites of the neck. The differences in ultrasound measurements based on scans, age, gender, side, and site of the neck were evaluated by ANOVA or by the Kruskal-Wallis test. The effects of the morphometric measures on each ultrasound parameter were evaluated by MANOVA (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The ultrasound measurements did not differ significantly between the three different sites or between genders; hence, they were pooled together in the results. On the transverse scan, the mean dorsoventral and lateromedial diameters were 1.58 ± 0.23 and 2.20 ± 0.25 cm, respectively; the mean superficial and deep wall thicknesses (SWT and DWT) were 0.07 ± 0.01 and 0.08 ± 0.01 cm, respectively. On the longitudinal scan, the mean dorsoventral diameter was 1.59 ± 0.26 cm, and the SWT and DWT were both 0.08 ± 0.01 cm. Neck length, from the caudal edge of the mandible to the thoracic inlet, was related to the dorsoventral diameter in both longitudinal and transverse scan and to the SWT and DWT in transverse scan, whereas height at the withers (measured with tape) and estimated weight were related to the wall thickness. Dividing the subjects into groups by age in years ("young" 3-7, "mature" 8-14, "old" > 14), differences were found for the lateromedial diameter in the transverse scan and the SWT on the longitudinal scan. The main limitation of this study was that only one operator performed the measurements. CONCLUSION: The US measurements of the jugular veins and their relationship with morphometric measures reported in this manuscript might be considered as guidelines both for early diagnosis and monitoring jugular vein abnormalities in healthy Italian Standardbred horses.

Irreversible Ocular Lesions in a Dog With Angiostrongylus Vasorum Infection.

This report describes a 10-month-old dog with a sudden loss of vision and severe dyspnoea. The ocular examination revealed bilateral panuveitis, lens subluxation, secondary glaucoma, and retinal detachment. In addition, the ocular ultrasound showed in the vitreous body of the right eye, a small doubled-lined foreign body compatible with an intraocular parasite. Radiographs of the thorax revealed an increased opacity with mixed lung pattern (alveolar and bronchial) and thoracic ultrasonography showed several subpleural nodules. The presence of Angiostrongylus vasorum first stage larvae was confirmed with 324 larvae per gram of feces and an antigen test for the parasite (AngioDetect, IDEXX) also yielded a positive result. The severe and irreversible ocular lesions described in this case enhanced the complexity of the clinical picture of canine angiostrongylosis. Infection with the parasite should be included in the list of differential diagnoses for ocular uveitis to avoid potentially serious complications related to a missed or delayed diagnosis.