Accuracy of real-time shear wave elastography in the assessment of normal small intestine mucosa in dogs.

The aim of the study was to assess the physiological stiffness of the normal canine jejunal mucosa based on shear wave elastography. The study was carried out on 60 dogs. In all the animals studied, the abdominal ultrasound was carried out using the SuperSonic Imagine Aixplorer system. The site of the jejunal elastography was determined using standard ultrasonography and all the measurements were carried out thrice. The stiffness of the area examined was determined during each measurement. Mean values were calculated based on the results obtained. The normal stiffness of the jejunal mucosa ranged from 1.305 kPa to 9.319 kPa (mean 5.31 ± 2.04 kPa). Based on our findings, we determined the range of normal values of the jejunal mucosal stiffness in healthy dogs. In addition, shear wave elastography was found to be safe and easy to perform. Moreover, it did not require anaesthesia or patient immobilisation for long periods.

Liver enhancement in healthy dogs after gadoxetic acid administration during dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

Dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) consists of acquisition of native baseline images, followed by a series of acquisitions performed during and after administration of a contrast medium. DCE-MRI, in conjunction with hepatobiliary-specific contrast media, such as gadoxetic acid (GD-EOB-DTPA), allows for precise characterisation of the enhancement pattern of the hepatic parenchyma following administration of the contrast agent. The aim of the study was to assess the pattern of temporal resolution contrast enhancement of the hepatic parenchyma following administration of GD-EOB-DTPA and to determine the optimal time window for post-contrast assessment of the liver. The study was carried out on eight healthy beagle dogs. MRI was performed using a 1.5T scanner. The imaging protocol included T1 weighted (T1-W) gradient echo (GRE), T2 weighted (T2-W) turbo spin echo (TSE) and dynamic T1-W GRE sequences. The dynamic T1-W sequence was performed using single 10mm thick slices. Regions of interest (ROIs) were chosen and the signal intensity curves were calculated for quantitative image analysis. The mean time to peak for all dogs was 26min. The plateau phase lasted on average 21min. A gradual decrease in the signal intensity of the hepatic parenchyma was observed in all dogs. A DCE-MRI enhancement pattern of the hepatic parenchyma was evident in dogs following the administration of a GD-EOB-DTPA, establishing baseline data for an optimal time window between 26 and 41min after administration of the contrast agent.

Adenocarcinoma of the posterior segment of the gastrointestinal tract in dogs - clinical, endoscopic, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings.

Of all the tumours in dogs, three percent are located in the intestines, and 36-60% of those tumours affect the large intestine. Adenocarcinomas of the intestines account for 20-35% of the gastrointestinal tumours and for almost 60% of the large intestine tumours. The aim of the study was to analyze clinical disorders and endoscopic, histopathological and immunohistochemical changes in colorectal adenocarcinomas in dogs with the use of the E-cadherin, ß-catenin, cytokeratin 20 (CK20), Ki-67 and minichromosome maintenance 3 (MCM-3). The study comprised 11 dogs of both genders and of different breeds diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the large intestine. They were from 4 to 11 years old. The large intestine adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in all the patients. 72.7% cases were diagnosed with a rectal adenocarcinoma, and 27.3% were found to have a colonic adenocarcinoma. All the studied proteins were expressed at different levels and, together with the histological findings, indicated different levels of malignancy (G). The statistical analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between the expression of E-cadherin and ß-catenin in the studied tissues (p=0.79) and between the expression of Ki-67 andMCM-3 (p=0.39). A strong positive correlation was found between the expression of E-cadherin and ß-catenin (r=0.86; p<0.05). The diagnosis of adenocarcinomas of the large intestine may be facilitated by the introduction of immunohistochemical studies using appropriate cell markers. They may also aid in the accurate evaluation of the biological character of the tumours, their origin, the connections between tumour cells and the mitotic index. That, in turn, may help determine the malignancy and the choice of treatment.

An evaluation of the usefulness of invasive and non-invasive methods used to diagnose Helicobacter spp. infections in dogs.

The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of invasive and non-invasive methods used to diagnose Helicobacter spp. in the stomachs of dogs. The study was carried out on 30 dogs of both sexes and different breeds, between one and 15 years old. A histopathologic examination, a microbiological culture, a rapid urease test, a direct bacteriological preparation and a nested PCR assay were carried out. Gastric Helicobacter spp. was identified in gastric biopsy specimens from 16 (53.3%) dogs using direct bacteriological preparation, in four (13.3%) dogs based on a culture, in 23 (76.6%) dogs using the rapid urease test and in 21 (70,0%) dogs based on a histopathological assessment of the biopsy specimens. The nested PCR of the gastric biopsy specimens revealed gastric Helicobacter spp. in all the dogs (100%). A saliva PCR assay revealed gastric Helicobacter spp. in 23 (76.6%) dogs, while stool PCR revealed the bacterium in seven (23.3%) dogs. We found that invasive methods were more accurate than non-invasive methods in detecting a Helicobacter spp. infection in dogs. In addition, the nested PCR method used to evaluate the gastric mucosal biopsy specimens was the most accurate test for detecting Helicobacter spp. It was further found that the PCR-based saliva assay was the best non-invasive method for detecting Helicobacter spp. However, taking into consideration that most of the diagnostic methods used to detect this bacterium have drawbacks, at least two diagnostic methods should be used to detect Helicobacter spp. as is done in human medicine.

Accuracy of real-time shear wave elastography in the assessment of normal liver tissue in the guinea pig (cavia porcellus).

Shear wave elastography is a novel technique enabling real-time measurement of the elasticity of liver tissue. The color map is superimposed on the classic ultrasound image of the assessed tissue, which enables a precise evaluation of the stiffness of the liver tissue. The aim of the study was to assess the stiffness of normal liver tissue in the guinea pig using shear wave elastography. The study was carried out on 36 guinea pigs using the SuperSonic Imagine Aixplorer scanner, and a 1 to 6 MH convex SC6-1 transducer. An ultrasound guided Try-Cut liver core needle biopsy was carried out in all the studied animals and the collected samples were examined to exclude pathological lesions. The mean liver tissue stiffness ranged from 0.89 to 5.40 kPa. We found that shear wave elastography is an easy, non-invasive technique that can be used to assess the stiffness of liver tissue. The obtained results can be used in future studies to assess the types and changes of liver tissue in the course of various types of liver disease.

The macrostructure and microstructure of the urinary bladder and urethral mucosa in dogs with lower urinary tract diseases.

The aim of the study was to assess the macrostructure and the microstructure of the bladder and urethral mucosa in dogs with lower urinary tract disease as well as to evaluate the usefulness of the WHO/ISUP grading of invasive and non-invasive tumours of the bladder and urethral mucosa. The study was carried out on 37 dogs of different breeds and of both sexes, from 9 months to 15 years old. An urethrocystoscopy and a histopathological evaluation of mucosal biopsies were carried out in all the studied dogs. Cystitis was the most common disease noted during urethrocystoscopy. Chronic active inflammation of the bladder was the most common inflammatory lesion diagnosed in the histopathological examination, while the transitional cell carcinoma was the most common tumour of the bladder. Urethrocystoscopy proved to be a very useful tool in the assessment of macroscopic lesions in the bladder and urethral mucosa in dogs. We also evaluated the type and extent of microscopic inflammatory lesions in the bladder and urethral mucosa using the modified Sydney scale. The WHO/ISUP scale is very helpful in the histopathological classification of canine invasive and non-invasive proliferative lesions in the bladder and urethra.

7S Fragment of Type IV Collagen as a Serum Marker of Canine Liver Fibrosis.

The aim of this study was to assess whether the serum levels of the 7S fragment of type IV collagen may aid in diagnosing liver fibrosis in dogs. The study was carried out on 20 dogs with liver disease. Serum levels of the 7S fragment of type IV collagen were measured in all dogs. The analysis showed that healthy dogs and dogs with type 1, 2 and 3 liver fibrosis had low serum concentrations of the 7S fragment of type IV collagen compared to dogs with type 4 liver fibrosis. The study revealed that the assessment of serum levels of the 7S fragment of type IV collagen is useful in the diagnosis of advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Detection of gastric Helicobacter spp. in stool samples of dogs with gastritis.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and identify the species of gastric Helicobacter in the stool of dogs with gastritis. The study was carried out on thirty dogs of different breeds, of both genders and of various ages, diagnosed with gastritis. Helicobacter spp. was detected in stool samples using the nested-PCR method. Helicobacter bacteria were identified in stool samples from seven (23.3%) dogs. Helicobacter heilmannii was found to be the most common species of gastric Helicobacter. Helicobacter salomonis was identified much less frequently, while Helicobacter felis, Helicobacter pylori and Helicobacter bizzozeronii were not detected in any of the samples.

Serum concentrations of PIIINP aminopeptide in dogs with liver fibrosis.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the serum concentration of the type III procollagen aminopeptide in dogs, and to assess its utility in the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. The study was carried out on 20 dogs of different breeds and of both genders, between 7 and 15 years old. Based on the results of the histopathological examination and the evaluation of the degree of liver fibrosis, the dogs were divided into five groups. The mean serum PIIINP concentration in the group of dogs with stage 1 and 2 liver fibrosis (groups 2 and 3) was five-fold higher than in healthy dogs (group 1). In turn, the mean PIIINP concentration in the group of dogs with stage 3 (group 4) and stage 4 (group 5) fibrosis was 10-fold higher than that of the control group (group 1). Based on the results, we found that the serum PIIINP concentration correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis, assessed based on a histopathological examination. Therefore, PIIINP serum concentration tests may be a promising non-invasive diagnostic technique that could be used in veterinary hepatology to assess the degree of liver fibrosis.

Detection of Helicobacter spp. in the saliva of dogs with gastritis.

The aim of this study was to identify the species and determine the prevalence of gastric Helicobacter in the saliva of dogs with gastritis. The study was carried out on 30 dogs of different breeds, genders and ages, which were diagnosed with gastritis. The nested-PCR method was used to detect Helicobacter spp. in saliva. Helicobacter bacteria were found in the saliva samples of 23 (76.6%) dogs. Helicobacter heilmannii was the most commonly detected species of gastric Helicobacter spp. in canine saliva, and was found in 22 (73.3%) cases. The results indicate that gastric Helicobacter spp. occurs relatively frequently in dogs with gastritis. Moreover, the saliva of dogs with gastritis may be a source of Helicobacter spp. infection for humans and other animals. However, further studies are needed to confirm this finding as the PCR method does not distinguish active from inactive infections.

An analysis of pH, pO2 and pCO2 in the peritoneal fluid of dogs with ascites of various etiologies.

The aim of the study was to assess pH, pO2 and pCO2 in peritoneal fluid. The study was conducted on a group of 22 dogs with symptoms of ascites. Group 1 consisted of 4 dogs with adenocarcinoma, group 2--of 6 dogs with glomerulonephritis, group 3 of 8 dogs with hepatic cirrhosis and group 4 of 4 dogs with bacterial peritonitis. An abdominal cavity puncture was performed in all dogs and the fluid was drawn into a heparinized syringe in order to assess pH, pO2 and pCO2 . The analysis of pH in the peritoneal fluid revealed statistically significant differences between group 4 and groups 1 (p=0.01), 2 (p=0.01), and 3 (p=0.01). The lowest pH value compared to the other studied groups was recorded in group 4. In group 4, the pO2 was the lowest compared to the other groups (group 1 p=0.01, group 2 p=0.01, group 3 p=0.01). The value of pCO2 was the highest in group 4 compared to groups 1, 2, and 3. The study found statistically significant differences in pH, pCO2 and pCO2 between group 4 (the group of dogs with bacterial peritonitis) and the other groups of dogs. This was probably linked to the pathogenesis of peritonitis. As a result of an inflammatory reaction within the peritoneal cavity, there is an increase in fibrin accumulations leading to a decreased oxygen supply causing the oxidative glucose metabolism to change into a non-oxidative glucose metabolism. This, in turn, causes a decrease in pH, acidosis, and a low oxidoreduction potential. It also impairs phagocytosis and activates proteolytic enzymes which create ideal conditions for the growth of anaerobic bacteria. The obtained results indicate that the pH, pO2 and pCO2 may be used to differentiate bacterial peritonitis from ascites of other etiologies.

The use of elements of the Stewart model (Strong Ion Approach) for the diagnostics of respiratory acidosis on the basis of the calculation of a value of a modified anion gap (AGm) in brachycephalic dogs.

UNLABELLED: Apart from the HH equation, the acid-base balance of an organism is also described by the Stewart model, which assumes that the proper insight into the ABB of the organism is given by an analysis of: pCO2, the difference of concentrations of strong cations and anions in the blood serum - SID, and the total concentration of nonvolatile weak acids - Acid total. The notion of an anion gap (AG), or the apparent lack of ions, is closely related to the acid-base balance described according to the HH equation. Its value mainly consists of negatively charged proteins, phosphates, and sulphates in blood. In the human medicine, a modified anion gap is used, which, including the concentration of the protein buffer of blood, is, in fact, the combination of the apparent lack of ions derived from the classic model and the Stewart model. In brachycephalic dogs, respiratory acidosis often occurs, which is caused by an overgrowth of the soft palate, making it impossible for a free air flow and causing an increase in pCO2--carbonic acid anhydride The aim of the present paper was an attempt to answer the question whether, in the case of systemic respiratory acidosis, changes in the concentration of buffering ions can also be seen. The study was carried out on 60 adult dogs of boxer breed in which, on the basis of the results of endoscopic examination, a strong overgrowth of the soft palate requiring a surgical correction was found. For each dog, the value of the anion gap before and after the palate correction procedure was calculated according to the following equation: AG = ([Na+ mmol/l] + [K+ mmol/l])--([Cl- mmol/l]+ [HCO3- mmol/l]) as well as the value of the modified AG--according to the following equation: AGm = calculated AG + 2.5 x (albumins(r)--albumins(d)). The values of AG calculated for the dogs before and after the procedure fell within the limits of the reference values and did not differ significantly whereas the values of AGm calculated for the dogs before and after the procedure differed from each other significantly. CONCLUSIONS: 1) On the basis of the values of AGm obtained it should be stated that in spite of finding respiratory acidosis in the examined dogs, changes in ion concentration can also be seen, which, according to the Stewart theory, compensate metabolic ABB disorders 2) In spite of the fact that all the values used for calculation of AGm were within the limits of reference values, the values of AGm in dogs before and after the soft palate correction procedure differed from each other significantly, which proves high sensitivity and usefulness of the AGm calculation as a diagnostic method.

Suitability of using serum hialuronic acid concentrations in the diagnosis of canine liver fibrosis.

There are multiple dynamic changes associated with the metabolism of the extracellular matrix (ECM) which occur in the course of liver fibrosis. Therefore, the evaluation of parameters reflecting the deposition of ECM, the activity of myofibroblasts and the synthesis and degradation of collagen may aid in the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. Hyaluronic acid is considered to be a marker of ECM deposition. It is a glycosaminoglycan synthesized by hepatic stellate cells and degraded by hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of hyaluronic acid in dogs with different degrees of liver fibrosis. The study was carried out on 29 dogs with liver disease. A core needle biopsy of the liver was performed in order to assess the degree of hepatic inflammation. Then, hyaluronic acid serum concentrations were measured. The dogs were divided into five groups based on the histopathological examination and the evaluation of the degree of hepatic fibrosis. The study showed that serum hyaluronic acid concentrations were low in patients with first stage liver fibrosis and in controls, while they were twice as high as control values in the group of dogs with second stage liver fibrosis. These concentrations were three-fold greater than control values in patients with third stage liver fibrosis, and seven-fold greater in patients with liver cirrhosis. Based on the results, it was concluded that serum hyaluronic acid is a useful marker of liver fibrosis and may aid in determining the degree of its advancement.

Sonoelastography in differentiation of benign and malignant testicular lesion in dogs.

Present study aimed to evaluae the elasticity of tumorous testicular lesions and usefulness of the elastographic examination for diagnosing lesions in the testes. The study was carried out on nine dogs in which tumorous testicular lesions had been found in the ultrasonographic examination. In all the animals examined, the elastographic examination of the lesions was performed and then castration and the histopathological examination of specimens in order to determine the type of the changes. On the basis of the results of the histopathological examination the dogs were divided into two groups: group I--consisted of three dogs in which nonneoplastic testicular lesions were found and group II comprised six dogs in which neoplasic lesions that began in testicular interstitial cells (Leydigoma) were detected. The lesions observed in dogs of group I showed low stiffness (average 11.25 kPa, range 6.1 to 16.4 kPa), whereas the lesions found in dogs of group II were characterized by high stiffness (average 91.85 kPa, range 52.3 to 131.4 kPa). On the basis of a scale proposed by Goodie et al. (2012), the lesions in group I were in the range of SC1, and in turn, the lesions in group II were in the range of SC 3 inverted. Based on the results obtained, it can be stated that the sonoelastographic examination is useful method for the screening diagnostics of testicular lesions.

Neoplastic lesions in the nasal cavities of dogs.

This paper aims at evaluating the frequency of nasal cavity tumors in dogs as well as comparing an endoscopic examination with a histopathological evaluation of the collected biopsy specimens. The study was conducted on 68 dogs. During the endoscopic examination, proliferative lesions were recognized in 20 dogs. During the histopathological examination, neoplastic lesions were confirmed in 95% of the dogs in which proliferative lesions were identified in the endoscopic examination. Adenocarcinoma occurred most frequently in the population under study.

An attempt to use the peritoneal cavity fluid in the diagnostics of acid-base balance disorders in dogs.

The acid-base balance parameters (ABB) of blood are used in the diagnostics and therapy of acidosis or alkalosis type disorders. Nowadays, some reports on the attempts to use the body cavity fluid for the diagnostics of the ABB disorders have appeared in the human medicine. The study has aimed at comparing the acid-base balance parameters (ABB): pH, pCO2, and HCO3(-) determined in the arterial blood and the fluid from the peritoneal cavity in dogs. The study was carried out on 20 dogs suffering from ascites developed as a result of the chronic renal failure. 1 ml of full blood was drawn from each dog from its femoral artery to a heparinized syringe equipped with a needle with an internal diameter of 0.7 mm and the puncture of the abdominal cavity was carried out in the white line. In the sample of arterial blood and the sample of the abdominal cavity fluid drawn the ABB parameters were determined. In the group examined, the ABB parameters determined for the arterial blood and the fluid had comparable numeric values and the same nature of the ABB disorder diagnosed on the basis of them. The conclusions are as follows: the results of the effusion fluid gasometry depend on the mechanism of the fluid formation and, in the case when it comes from the developed capillary network, a pressure of gases and remaining ABB parameters are similar to those determined for the arterial blood.

Application of shear wave elastography in the diagnosis of mammary gland neoplasm in dogs.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of elastography in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant tumours of the mammary gland in dogs. The study was performed to 12 female dogs of different breeds aged 5-12 years in which tumoral lesions of the mammary gland were found in the clinical examination. In all the animals elastographic examination of the lesions was carried out and then the fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed to determine the nature and degree of malignancy of the lesions. The examinations proved that benign neoplasms of the mammary gland showed low stiffness (average 22.42 kPa, range 19 to 42.4 kPa), whereas malignant neoplasms were characterized by high stiffness (average 235.44 kPa, range 171 to 300 kPa). On the basis of the results obtained we conclude that the elastography of proliferative lesions of the mammary gland is a useful diagnostic method for distinguishing benign neoplastic lesions from malignant neoplasms.

Oesophageal foreign bodies in dogs.

The aim of the paper is to present own experience in diagnosis and endoscopic removal of foreign bodies from the oesophagus in dogs. The study was performed on 22 dogs of different breed and sex, aged 7 months to 17 years, with suspicion of a foreign body in the oesophagus. All the dogs were subjected to a radiography of the oesophagus and oesophagoscopy. The most commonly observed clinical signs were regurgitation and swallowing disorders. The best diagnostic method allowing detection of foreign bodies in the oesophagus was esophagoscopy.

Endoscopic examination of the urethra and the urinary bladder in dogs -- indications, contraindications and performance technique.

This paper discusses indications, contraindications, and likely complications following the endoscopic examination of the urethra and the urinary bladder in dogs. In addition, the procedure performance techniques and evaluation of the particular sections of the lower urinary tract are presented as well as the equipment used for the urethrocystoscopy.

Fine needle biopsy of abdominal organs in dogs -- indications, contraindications and performance technique.

Recent years have seen in both human and veterinary medicine the development of numerous techniques allowing for evaluation and classification of changes in individual organs and tissues. Despite introduction of such techniques into diagnostics as among others, CT, MRI, CEUS or elastography, biopsy is still considered a "golden standard" and it is a procedure performed in order to obtain a final diagnosis. There are many biopsy techniques, such as fine needle aspiration biopsy, core biopsy as well as methods of performing a procedure, e.g. blind biopsy, biopsy under USG control and biopsy during laparotomy. In the article usefulness of biopsy techniques in relation to diagnostics of individual abdominal organ, as well as the procedure technique, contraindication and complications are discussed.