Fine-needle aspiration of cutaneous, subcutaneous, and intracavitary masses in dogs and cats using 22- vs 25-gauge needles.

BACKGROUND: Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a common procedure as a diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine. However, it is unclear whether the gauge of the needle affects the quality of cytology. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the quality of cytologic samples obtained via FNA using 22- or 25-gauge needles. METHODS: Fine-needle aspiration was performed on 50 masses (cutaneous, subcutaneous, or intracavitary) obtained from client-owned animals. The size of the needle was randomly assigned using either of the following two sequences: 22-25-22 gauge or 25-22-25 gauge. Samples were evaluated by two board-certified clinical pathologists to assess cellularity, blood contamination, amount of cellular debris, degree of cellular trauma, and the overall ability to make a diagnosis for each sample. RESULTS: No significant difference was detected between the 22- and 25-gauge needle samples for cellularity, whereas a significant difference was present for blood contamination, amount of cellular debris, and degree of cellular trauma. The overall ability to make a diagnosis was not significantly affected by the needle gauge. The degree of cellular trauma was significantly increased in intracavitary samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Needle gauge is a contributing factor to FNA sample quality. However, it did not affect the overall ability to make a diagnosis. Samples obtained using 25-gauge needles resulted in less blood contamination yet increased cellular trauma compared to 22-gauge needle samples.

Paradoxical vestibular syndrome in a dog from western Newfoundland infected with French heartworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum).

A dog from western Newfoundland was presented with paradoxical vestibular syndrome. First-stage larvae of Angiostrongylus vasorum were detected on fecal examination. Treatment with milbemycin oxime resulted in resolution of signs. This is the first report of the spread of this parasite to western Newfoundland and of paradoxical vestibular syndrome in a dog infected with A. vasorum.

Syndrome vestibulaire paradoxal chez un chien de l'ouest de Terre-Neuve infecté par des vers du cœur(Angiostrongylus vasorum). Un chien de l'ouest de Terre-Neuve a été présenté avec un syndrome vestibulaire paradoxal. Des larves de premier stade d'Angiostrongylus vasorum ont été détectées à l'examen fécal. Le traitement à l'aide d'oxime de milbémycine a produit une disparition des symptômes. Il s'agit du premier rapport de la propagation de ce parasite dans l'ouest de Terre-Neuve et du syndrome vestibulaire paradoxal chez un chien infecté par A. vasorum.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

VALIDATION OF ULTRASOUND AS A NONINVASIVE TOOL TO MEASURE SUBCUTANEOUS FAT DEPTH IN LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLES (DERMOCHELYS CORIACEA).

Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) undergo substantial cyclical changes in body condition between foraging and nesting. Ultrasonography has been used to measure subcutaneous fat as an indicator of body condition in many species but has not been applied in sea turtles. To validate this technique in leatherback turtles, ultrasound images were obtained from 36 live-captured and dead-stranded immature and adult turtles from foraging and nesting areas in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Ultrasound measurements were compared with direct measurements from surgical biopsy or necropsy. Tissue architecture was confirmed histologically in a subset of turtles. The dorsal shoulder region provided the best site for differentiation of tissues. Maximum fat depth values with the front flipper in a neutral (45-90°) position demonstrated good correlation with direct measurements. Ultrasound-derived fat measurements may be used in the future for quantitative assessment of body condition as an index of health in this critically endangered species.

Comparison of 3 methods of onychectomy.

The frequency of claw regrowth, bony remnants, and complications in cats that underwent forelimb onychectomy using laser, scalpel, or guillotine techniques were evaluated. Eighty-seven client-owned cats were recruited from 27 veterinary clinics in the Canadian Atlantic provinces. At least 1 year after onychectomy the cats underwent a physical examination, gait analysis, and radiographic evaluation by 1 of 2 authors. There was no significant difference in the frequency of claw regrowth among the 3 methods (P = 0.283). Significantly more cats had bony remnants following guillotine onychectomy (P < 0.001). Bony remnants were significantly associated with claw regrowth (P = 0.001). Cats that underwent laser onychectomy had significantly less post-operative complications (P = 0.023). The long-term outcome was not significantly different among the 3 methods. We conclude that leaving remnants of the third phalanx in situ is associated with an increased frequency of claw regrowth. Laser onychectomy may be preferred to reduce the risk of post-operative complications, bony remnants, and claw regrowth.

Comparaison de 3 méthodes d'onychectomie. La fréquence de la repousse des griffes, des reliquats osseux et des complications chez les chats qui avaient subi une onychectomie des pattes avant en utilisant le laser, le scalpel, ou les techniques de guillotine a été évaluée. Quatre-vingt-sept chats appartenant à des clients ont été recrutés dans 27 cliniques vétérinaires des provinces de l'Atlantique du Canada. Au moins 1 an après l'onychectomie, les chats ont subi une évaluation physique, une analyse de la démarche et une évaluation radiographique par 1 des 2 auteurs. Il n'y avait pas de différence significative dans la fréquence de la repousse des griffes entre les 3 méthodes (P = 0,283). Un nombre significativement supérieur de chats avaient des reliquats osseux après l'onychectomie à la guillotine (P < 0,001). Les reliquats osseux étaient significativement associés à la repousse de griffes (P = 0,001). Les chats qui ont subi une onychectomie au laser présentaient un nombre significativement inférieur de complications postopératoires (P = 0,023). Les résultats à long terme n'étaient pas significativement différents entre les 3 méthodes. Nous avons conclu que la présence de reliquats in situ dans la troisième phalange est associée à une fréquence accrue de repousse des griffes. L'onychectomie au laser peut être préférable pour réduire le risque de complications postopératoires, des reliquats et de la repousse des griffes.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Comparison of digital radiography, ultrasonography, and positive contrast vaginourethrography for determining reproductive status of female cats.

It is not always possible to identify female cats that have undergone previous ovariohysterectomy based on physical examination alone. An easy, cost-effective method for screening female cats for reproductive status would be helpful for avoiding unnecessary exploratory laparotomies. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare diagnostic sensitivities of digital radiography, ultrasonography, and positive contrast vaginourethrography for determining reproductive status in female cats. Sixty-seven recently euthanized female cats of unknown medical history and reproductive status were randomly selected and included in the study. Digital abdominal radiography, digital abdominal radiography with compression, abdominal ultrasonography, and positive contrast vaginourethrography were performed in sequence by a board-certified veterinary radiologist and a second-year radiology resident. Immediately following diagnostic imaging procedures, necropsy was performed. Ultrasonography of the uterus had the highest sensitivity (86%) for determining reproductive status of all the imaging modalities tested. The specificity was 88%, and the positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 96% and 68%, respectively. The calculated sensitivities and specificities of other modalities were as follows: digital radiographs (28%, 100%), digital compression radiographs (58%, 100%), and vaginourethrography (32%, 100%). Based on McNemar's test statistic, there was a significant difference in the sensitivity of ultrasound compared to digital radiographs (P ≤ 0.05), compression radiographs (P ≤ 0.05), and vaginourethrogram (P ≤ 0.05). Findings from the current study indicated that ultrasonography is a sensitive diagnostic test for determining reproductive status in female cats. Although more readily available in private practice and shelters, digital radiography and vaginourethrography are not reliable predictors of reproductive status.

Achilles tendon repair in dogs using the semitendinosus muscle: surgical technique and short-term outcome in five dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe augmentation of primary Achilles tendon repair using suture with a semitendinosus muscle flap and report outcome in 5 dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=5) with Achilles tendon rupture (n=6). METHODS: After tendon repair with #2 polypropylene in a 3-loop pulley suture pattern, the lateral one-half of the semitendinosus muscle was transected from the ischium, rotated distally then sutured with #2 polypropylene to the calcaneus in a 3-loop pulley pattern. The epitenon was sutured to the muscle flap fascia with interrupted sutures. All dogs had a bivalved cast for 2 weeks then a cranial splint for 2-6 weeks. Lameness scores (0=stands and walks normally to 4=non-weight-bearing lameness, plantigrade stance on affected pelvic limb) were determined every 2-3 weeks postoperatively for 12 weeks. Outcome was determined from telephone questionnaire of owners. RESULTS: Four had lameness scores of 0, the 5th had a score of 1 at 12 weeks. Three owners were very satisfied with outcome. Minor complications included cast sores (2 dogs), infection (2), and acute swelling (1); 1 major complication occurred (infection resulting in reoperation). CONCLUSIONS: Semitendinosus flap augmentation resulted in early return to function without prolonged postoperative immobilization. Three dogs returned to full work/activity after repair. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Augmentation of primary Achilles tendon repair with a semitendinosus flap can be considered in dogs with chronic rupture but further investigation of the long-term outcome using this technique is needed.

Diagnosis and treatment of presumptive postobstructive pulmonary edema in a Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi).

A free-ranging, adult male Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) was immobilized and evaluated for hematuria following routine capture. Prior to anesthetic recovery, the panther was fitted with a telemetry collar. After an initially quiet recovery, the panther began thrashing in the transport cage, and was again immobilized. Pink foam was evident from the nostrils, and crackles were ausculted over the chest, indicating pulmonary edema. Postobstructive pulmonary edema was diagnosed based on history, clinical signs, radiographic evaluation, and blood gas analysis. The animal was treated intensively for several hours with diuretics, oxygen, and manual ventilation. The panther responded rapidly to therapy and was released back into the wild 48 hr after presentation. Postobstructive pulmonary edema, also called negative-pressure pulmonary edema, may be underrecognized in veterinary medicine. In this case, the telemetry collar, in conjunction with anesthetic recovery in a small transport crate, may have contributed to tracheal obstruction. Wildlife veterinarians and biologists should be aware of the risk of airway obstruction when placing tracking collars, and animals should be continuously monitored during anesthetic recovery to ensure the presence of a patent airway.

Morphologic and biochemical characterization of hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in llamas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the morphologic and biochemical characteristics of hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in llamas. ANIMALS: 12 adult llamas (6 with bilateral hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints and 6 age- and sex-matched control llamas). PROCEDURES: Llamas were evaluated by use of lameness examination, ultrasonography, and radiography. A CBC, serum biochemical analysis, and determination of concentrations of trace minerals in serum and liver samples were performed. Llamas were euthanized, and samples of the superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, and suspensory ligament were obtained from 4 areas and snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen or suspended in neutral-buffered 10% formalin. Immunohistochemical evaluation of collagen types I and III and assays for measurement of lysyl oxidase activity were performed. RESULTS: 2 affected llamas had a visible gait deficit associated with metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension. Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis was detected in 1 severely affected llama, and ultrasonographic changes of soft tissue mineralization and suspensory desmitis were observed in 2 llamas. Liver concentrations of copper were lower and serum concentrations of zinc higher in affected llamas, compared with values in control llamas. Lysyl oxidase activity and collagen distribution did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints in llamas does not appear to be the result of injury or degeneration of the suspensory ligament or flexor tendons. Lower copper concentrations coupled with higher zinc concentrations in affected llamas may be indicative of secondary copper deficiency.

Mandibular fracture repair in a harbor seal.

A 30-year-old captive female harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) bit down upon a metal ring within a hoop-net normally used to assist in securing the seal for routine physical examination. Radiographic examination performed under general anesthesia revealed a unilateral closed fracture of the rostral left mandible between the first and second premolar teeth. The rostral fragment was displaced ventrally and slight laxity of the mandibular symphysis was noted. The fracture was repaired surgically using an oral dental acrylic splint incorporating circumferential mandibular cerclage wire. The mandibular symphysis was stabilized using interdental wire between the right and left canine teeth. The fixation device was removed following evaluation of radiographs that showed signs of bony union 12-months postoperatively.