Successful surgical attenuation of portosystemic shunt in a dog with imaging-diagnosed portal vein aplasia.

An 8-month-old female Maltese dog was referred for examination with a history of circling, dullness, and drooling. Serum biochemical analysis revealed hyperammonemia, with microhepatica observed on radiography. Computed tomography angiography revealed a portosystemic shunt originating from the right gastric vein and inserting into the prehepatic caudal vena cava. Portal blood flow to the liver was not observed. Based on computed tomography angiography, the dog was tentatively diagnosed with portosystemic shunt with portal vein aplasia. An exploratory laparotomy was done to obtain a definitive diagnosis. The dog had no subjective clinical signs of portal hypertension during a temporary occlusion test of the portosystemic shunt. A thin-film band was placed around the portosystemic shunt to achieve partial attenuation. There was no evidence of hepatic encephalopathy in the long term after surgery, and the dog's liver volume increased over time. Computed tomography angiography at 6 mo after surgery identified well-visualized intrahepatic portal branches. Key clinical message: We inferred that a direct occlusion test is a reliable diagnostic technique that overcomes the limitations of diagnostic imaging methods, including computed tomography angiography, and is a good technique for determining whether surgical attenuation is possible in dogs with suspected portal vein aplasia.

Atténuation chirurgicale réussie d'un shunt porto-systémique chez un chien avec une aplasie de la veine porte diagnostiquée par imagerie. Une femelle bichon maltais âgée de 8 mois a été référée pour examen avec une histoire de tournis, apathie et salivation excessive. L'analyse biochimique du sérum a révélé une hyperammionémie, avec un petit foie observé lors des radiographies. Une angiographie par tomodensitométrie a révélé un shunt porto-systémique prenant son origine de la veine gastrique droite et s'insérant dans la veine cave caudale pré-hépatique. Le flot sanguin porte au foie n'était pas observé. Sur la base de l'angiographie par tomodensitométrie, un diagnostic présumé de shunt porto-systémique avec aplasie de la veine porte a été émis. Une laparotomie exploratoire a été effectuée afin d'obtenir un diagnostic définitif. Le chien ne présentait pas de signe clinique subjectif d'hypertension portale durant un test d'occlusion temporaire du shunt porto-systémique. Une bande de film mince a été placée autour du shunt porto-systémique pour causer une réduction partielle. Il n'y avait aucune évidence d'encéphalopathie hépatique à long terme après la chirurgie, et le volume du foie du chien a augmenté dans le temps. Une angiographie par tomodensitométrie effectuée 6 mo après la chirurgie a permis de bien visualiser des branches portes intra-hépatiques.Message clinique clé :Nous avons déduit qu'un test d'occlusion est une technique diagnostique fiable qui surpasse les limites des méthodes d'imagerie diagnostique, incluant l'angiographie par tomodensitométrie, et est une bonne technique pour déterminer si une réduction chirurgicale est possible chez des chiens chez qui on soupçonne une aplasie de la veine porte.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Factors influencing enhancement timing in a triple-phase abdominal CT angiography protocol in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the enhancement accuracy of a triple-phase abdominal CT angiography (CTA) protocol in dogs and explore the patient, scan, and contrast parameters associated with accuracy of enhancement. ANIMALS: 233 client-owned dogs that underwent routine abdominal CTA. PROCEDURES: During each CTA study, the subjective timing accuracy (early, ideal, late) of the 3 obtained vascular phases (arterial, venous, delayed) was scored by consensus (2 reviewers) at 4 target organs (liver, pancreas, left kidney, and spleen). These scores were evaluated for statistical associations with 21 study variables (patient, scan, and contrast medium). The objective enhancement (HU) for each target organ was also compared statistically with subjective timing accuracy scores and the study variables. RESULTS: The study protocol performed best for the pancreas, moderately for the liver, and worse for the spleen and left kidney. Measurements of scan length and time were associated positively with phase lateness for most target organs and phases. Increased heart rate was the most significant patient factor associated positively with phase lateness within the liver (all phases), pancreas (arterial and venous phases), and kidney (arterial phase). Contrast medium variables were less associated with timing accuracy in this protocol. Objective enhancement (HU) correlated poorly with subjective phase timing accuracy and study variables. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Scan time, scan length, and heart rate were the predominant variables contributing to lateness in this canine abdominal CTA protocol. The findings of this exploratory study may aid in protocol adjustment and choice of included anatomy for dogs undergoing routine abdominal CTA.

Computed tomography venography description of the normal anatomy of the canine hindlimb venous system.

This study was performed to provide a description of the normal anatomy of the canine hindlimb veins using helical CT images. The studies of 30 dogs that underwent CT venography with a 64-slice helical CT scanner were retrospectively reviewed. The dogs were positioned in a head-first prone or head-first supine body position. A topogram CT scan was performed from the pelvic limbs cranial to the iliac wings to the tips of the paws. Bolus-tracking software was used for the dual-phase angiogram, and contrast medium was administered in a cephalic vein. The venous phase was scanned after a delay time of a few seconds after the arterial phase in a caudocranial direction. Three-dimensional images were generated using maximum intensity projections and volume rendering technique. Representative images of three of the 30 dogs were selected and anatomic structures labelled.

A Spectral Computed Tomography Contrast Study: Demonstration of the Avian Cardiovascular Anatomy and Function.

As part of the cardiovascular examination, all birds underwent clinical and echocardiographic examinations. Radiographs and blood samples were taken. Each bird was premedicated with midazolam and medetomidin and anesthetized with inhalation anesthesia using isoflurane. We performed computed tomographic angiography (CTA) after intravenous injection of 1 to 2 mL contrast agent per kg followed by a 1 mL saline solution flush. We were been able to identify the arteries that previous studies revealed to be most likely affected by atherosclerotic lesions: the aorta, both pulmonary arteries, and both brachiocephalic trunks. CTA was safe and is of potential diagnostic value in birds.

Arterial supply to the scrotum: A cadaveric angiographic study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the dominant arterial supply to the scrotum. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental anatomic study. ANIMALS: Intact male canine cadavers (n = 10). METHODS: Barium sulfate was injected into the internal iliac artery (n = 7) or into the pudendoepigastric trunk (n = 3). The perineal, scrotal, and prescrotal skin was sharply dissected from cadavers and radiographed. Angiograms were subjectively reviewed by 3 investigators. RESULTS: Angiograms were completed successfully in all 10 dogs, with no difference between frozen and fresh cadavers. The dominant blood supply to the scrotum was consistently identified as arising from the ventral perineal arteries, originating from the internal pudendal arteries, coursing ventrally and cranially toward the caudal scrotum before terminating as the dorsal scrotal arteries (n = 7). The blood supply to the cranial scrotum was more limited (n = 3) as only the cranial border of the scrotum was perfused by the ventral scrotal arteries. CONCLUSION: Based on this anatomic perfusion study, the dorsal scrotal arteries appear to supply a larger area than the ventral scrotal arteries. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These results provide evidence to justify further consideration of a scrotal flap using the caudal perineal skin as the main cutaneous pedicle to reconstruct defects located on the caudal, medial, and lateral thighs in dogs. Such a flap should be based on the caudal blood supply and the base of this flap should be located caudal to the scrotum to preserve its main blood supply.

Dominant outflow vein occlusion in the management of naturally occurring peripheral arteriovenous anomalies in cats and dogs.

Two dogs and 1 cat were referred to a tertiary veterinary center for the consultation and treatment of limb edema, variable dermal sanguineous crusting lesions, and intermittent lameness. A peripheral arteriovenous anomaly (PAA) was diagnosed via computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in each case. Arteriography enabled further evaluation of the PAA with confirmation of a dominant outflow vein. Dominant outflow vein occlusion was achieved by direct ligation in 1 dog and retrograde transvenous glue embolization in the cat and other dog. Repeat arteriography demonstrated resolution of arteriovenous shunting. Presenting clinical signs resolved in all animals. The previously identified aberrant vessels in 1 dog were not identified after CTA 40 days postoperatively. No postoperative complications or recurrence was identified in any case during the 6- to 55-month follow-up period.

Optimal placement of the region of interest for bolus tracking on brain computed tomography angiography in Beagle dogs.

This study aimed to determine the optimal placement of the region of interest (ROI) among four anatomical sites-pulmonary artery (PA), pulmonary vein (PV), aortic arch (AA), and carotid artery (CA)-in computed tomography (CT) brain angiography with automatic bolus tracking in healthy beagle dogs. Six beagles were included, and CT brain angiography was performed four times for each dog, to cover each ROI. The scan parameters, amount, and injection rate of the contrast medium were the same. The major intracranial arteries were selected for quantitative and qualitative evaluation: caudal cerebellar artery (CcA), basilar artery (BA), rostral cerebellar artery (RcA), caudal cerebral artery (CCA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and rostral cerebral artery (RCA). Quantitative evaluation showed significantly higher CT attenuation values for the RcA, CCA, and MCA in the PA group and RcA and MCA in the PV group than in the CA group. Qualitative analysis revealed significantly higher scores for the BA, CCA, and MCA in the PA and PV groups than in the CA group. Venous contamination did not differ significantly among the ROIs, but the mean scores of the AA and CA groups were higher than those of the PA and PV groups. CT brain angiography using bolus tracking in the beagle dogs showed that the ROI should be placed at the PA or PV rather than at the CA for optimal images with strong contrast enhancement of the BA, RcA, CCA, and MCA and minimal venous contamination.

Low profile vascular plug for transarterial occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus in small dogs.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive transcatheter occlusion using Amplatz canine duct occluder (ACDO) is the treatment of choice for dogs with left-to-right shunting patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). However, in small dogs the femoral artery diameter is often too small to accommodate the guiding catheter required for ACDO deployment. OBJECTIVE: Describe the effectiveness of transarterial implantation of Amplatzer Vascular Plug 4 (AVP-4), the only self-expandable nitinol mesh occlusion device which can be implanted through a 4 French diagnostic catheter, in small dogs with left-to-right shunting PDA. ANIMALS: Seven client-owned dogs. METHODS: Descriptive case series. Dogs with hemodynamically relevant left-to-right shunting PDA and a femoral artery diameter less than 2.0 mm measured preoperatively with ultrasonography were prospectively enrolled. RESULTS: Angiography after releasing the device showed complete immediate PDA closure in 5 dogs, where the manufacturers' recommendation were strictly followed (30%-50% device oversizing of the ductal ampulla's diameter). Trivial residual flow on angiography in the 6th dog, whose device was slightly undersized, had resolved on echocardiography within 2 hours after placement. Marked device undersizing in the 7th dog resulted in severe residual shunting, which necessitated the addition of a coil. In this dog, the AVP-4 embolized into the pulmonary artery within 2 weeks after placement. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Transarterial implantation of AVP-4 is a safe, effective and technically easy procedure for PDA occlusion in small dogs and offers a valuable alternative to coil implantation. Accurate PDA measurement and device sizing is essential to prevent residual shunting, inadvertent device embolization, and protrusion of the device into the aorta.

Diagnostic utility of computed tomographic angiography in dogs with portal vein thrombosis.

Computed tomographic (CT) angiography, the gold standard for diagnosing portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in humans, is poorly documented in dogs. Therefore, we retrospectively reviewed dogs with PVT diagnosed by CT angiography. Medical records of 13 client-owned dogs diagnosed with PVT by CT angiography were reviewed. All dogs had chronic PVT, and the most frequent clinical sign was vomiting (5/13), with pancreatitis the most frequent concurrent disease (6/13). All dogs tested for plasma D-dimer concentration (12/12) revealed elevated levels. On CT angiography, a thrombus was detected as a non-contrast enhancement structure in the portal vessel of 13 dogs. There was no evidence of complete obstruction of the portal vein in any of the dogs. The median luminal filling of the portal vein was 60.4%. The thrombus extension was variable among dogs, with a median of 34.9 mm. CT angiography identified the thrombus in the main portal vein of 12/13 dogs and multiple thrombus formation other than the main portal vein in 9/13 dogs. CT angiography provided specific information such as detecting the presence, location, and number of PVT in dogs. Therefore, CT angiography might be useful for the diagnosis and follow-up evaluation of PVT in dogs.

Blood supply and arteriography of the pelvic limb of the Southern caracara (Caracara plancus) and great egret (Ardea alba).

The aim of this study was to compare the arterial vascularization of the pelvic limb between southern caracara (Caracara plancus) and great egret (Ardea alba) by dissection and radiographic examinations. Five specimens of caracaras (three males and two females), and seven great egrets (five males and two females) were used. Barium sulphate and latex suspension were injected into the left ventricle of the birds. The radiographs were taken with the pelvic limbs in the ventrodorsal, dorsoplantar, mediolateral and lateromedial recumbency. Thereafter, the material was fixed in a 10% solution of formaldehyde and dissected. The pelvic limb received its arterial supply from two main vessels, the ischiatic and external iliac arteries. The ischiatic artery presented to be the principal artery of pelvic limb in the caracara and great egret. Several branches arised from the ischiatic and external iliac arteries were described. No gender differences were observed in both species. The caracara and great egret showed arteries similar to those reported for the ostrich and domestic fowl. According to the results of this study, it is suggested that the caracara has a pelvic limb with more arterial branches and larger arterial diameter than the great egret, which is probably related to the specific behaviour of these birds, since the caracara is a bird that exercise more their pelvic limbs to capture its prey when compared with the great egret.

Angiography of ovarian and uterine vessels of the dog.

A thorough knowledge about anastomoses between uterine and ovarian arteries could have great impact in surgical interventions. The present study aimed to use an angiographic procedure to show the vascular relationship between uterus and ovaries, possible anastomoses between uterine arteries during pregnancy, blood supply to gestational sacs, and the vascular pattern in the uterus of a bitch with pyometra. Uteri from 6 dogs (3 non-pregnant, 2 pregnant, and one with a pyometra uterus) were collected after ovariohysterectomy. A suspension of barium sulfate was injected into the middle uterine artery and, dorso-ventral radiographs were taken. In non-pregnant uteri, a contrast medium flowed into the middle uterine artery and, after covering all of its branches, the medium entered the ovarian parenchymal vessels. In addition, in the 35-day pregnant uteri, by injecting the contrast medium into the middle uterine artery of one horn the contralateral middle uterine artery received the media once the arteries of the initial horn were filled. The results showed some anastomoses between arteries of the two horns at this age of the pregnancy. The blood circulation of the gestational sacs in each uterine horn started from the base of the horn and continued to the apex. In conclusion, there are anastomoses between uterine and ovarian arteries in non-pregnant, and between arteries of different uterine horns in pregnant bitch.

Feasibility of optical coherence tomography angiography to assess changes in retinal microcirculation in ovine haemorrhagic shock.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) for quantitative analysis of flow density to assess changes in retinal perfusion in an experimental model of haemorrhagic shock. METHODS: Haemorrhagic shock was induced in five healthy, anaesthetized sheep by stepwise blood withdrawal of 3 × 10 ml∙kg- 1 body weight. OCT-A imaging of retinal perfusion was performed using an OCT device. Incident dark-field illumination microscopy videos were obtained for the evaluation of conjunctival microcirculation. Haemodynamic variables and flow density data in the OCT angiogram were analysed before and during progressive haemorrhage resulting in haemorrhagic shock as well as after fluid resuscitation with 10 ml∙kg- 1 body weight of balanced hydroxyethyl starch solution (6% HES 130/0.4). Videos of the conjunctival microcirculation were recorded at baseline, in haemorrhagic shock, and after resuscitation. Data are presented as median with interquartile range. Comparisons between time points were made using Friedman's test and the degree of correlation between two variables was expressed as Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure and cardiac index (CI) decreased and lactate concentration increased after induction of shock, and haemodynamics recovered after resuscitation. The flow density in the superficial retinal OCT angiogram decreased significantly after shock induction (baseline 44.7% (40.3; 50.5) vs haemorrhagic shock 34.5% (32.8; 40.4); P = 0.027) and recovered after fluid resuscitation (46.9% (41.7; 50.7) vs haemorrhagic shock; P = 0.027). The proportion of perfused vessels of the conjunctival microcirculation showed similar changes. The flow density measured using OCT-A correlated with the conjunctival microcirculation (perfused vessel density: Spearman's rank correlation coefficient ρ = 0.750, P = 0.001) and haemodynamic parameters (CI: ρ = 0.693, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Retinal flow density, measured using OCT-A, significantly decreased in shock and recovered after fluid therapy in an experimental model of haemorrhagic shock. OCT-A is feasible to assess changes in retinal perfusion in haemorrhagic shock and fluid resuscitation.

Effect of calibration methods on the accuracy of angiographic measurements during transcatheter procedures in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Different methods to perform reference calibration of an angiographic image exist; however, a prospective comparison of calibration methods has yet to be investigated in veterinary medicine. OBJECTIVE: To compare angiographic measurements using two commonly employed reference calibration methods, an esophageal pigtail marker catheter (EC) versus a radiopaque table ruler (TR). ANIMALS: Thirty-five client-owned dogs undergoing transcatheter intervention. METHODS: Prospective comparison study. Two reference calibration methods, EC and TR, were recorded in dogs undergoing transcatheter procedures from May 2016 to July 2017. Relevant measurements were performed in triplicate and averaged after image calibration to either EC or TR. Comparisons between methods were made by correlation, paired t-test, the method of Bland and Altman, and Passing-Bablok regression. RESULTS: A total of 39 angiographic structures were measured. Interventions included balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (n = 21), patent ductus arteriosus occlusion (n = 11), subaortic or sub-pulmonary balloon dilatation (n = 4), and cor triatriatum membranostomy (n = 3). Angiographic measurements were larger when calibrated to EC versus TR (P < .0001). The mean bias was 0.86 mm, with greater bias for larger measurements. The EC measurements were ∼10% greater than TR based on regression analysis. Weight was correlated to the difference between methods (ρ = 0.55, P = .0003). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Angiographic image calibration using a ruler placed on the fluoroscopy table underestimates the size of a structure by ∼10% as compared with a marker catheter placed within the esophagus. This effect is greatest when measuring larger structures such as the pulmonary valve annulus and in larger dogs.

Multidetector computed tomographic pulmonary angiography in a cat with fatal heartworm disease.

A 17-month-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was referred for a computed tomographic (CT) study of the thorax due to respiratory distress. Multidetector CT angiography showed a multifocal interstitial ground glass opacity, tortuous and blunted pulmonary arteries consistent with thromboembolism with perivascular lung infiltration and hypoventilation in multiple lung lobes. A blood antigen test was positive for Dirofilaria immitis. The cat's clinical condition rapidly declined and the owners elected euthanasia. The histopathologic examination confirmed heartworm disease with parasitic pulmonary thromboembolism.

Angiografia dos dígitos de bovinos jovens antes e após indução de acidose ruminal / Digital angiography in young cattle before and after ruminal acidosis induction

O presente estudo objetivou descrever a rede vascular dos dígitos dos membros pélvicos de bovinos antes e após aplicação intrarruminal de oligofrutose, empregando a venografia. Utilizaram-se seis bovinos alocados em dois grupos (GI e GII), que receberam 13 e 17g/kg de oligofrutose, respectivamente. A venografia dos dígitos foi feita em quatro momentos: 15 dias antes (M0) e 36 horas (M1), sete dias (M2) e 30 dias (M3) após aplicação de oligofrutose. Mensurou-se a largura das veias visualizadas e avaliou-se possível supressão do fluxo sanguíneo dos vasos. A largura foi avaliada pela análise de variância (ANOVA) e pelo teste t (5%). Em M0, nas radiografias, foram identificadas 25 estruturas, incluindo veias, artérias e rede vascular. As veias mensuradas foram: digital dorsal comum III e dorsal da falange distal e os ramos plantares para o coxim digital do dígito lateral e medial. Apenas a v. digital dorsal comum III apresentou maior largura após 36 horas e constrição com 30 dias (P≤0,05) da aplicação de oligofrutose. Comparando-se os momentos, encontrou-se vasodilatação no M1 e vasoconstrição nos demais. A mensuração da largura dos vasos não sofreu (P≥0,05) interferência quando se compararam os grupos. Concluiu-se que a venografia dos dígitos de bovinos permite estudar e identificar alterações da vascularização.(AU)

The objective of this study was to describe vascular net of bovine digit before and after intrarruminal administration of oligofructose, with the use of venography. Six animals sorted in two groups (GI and GII) that received 13 and 17g/kg of oligofructose respectively were used. Digits venography were done in four moments: 15 days before (M0) and 36 hours (M1), seven days (M2) and 30 days (M3) after administration of oligofructose. Width of visualized veins and evaluated possible blood flow vessels suppression was measured. The width was evaluated by ANOVA and T test (5%). In M0 25 structures were identified, including veins, arteries and vascular net in radiographic images. Veins measured were: common digital III and dorsal of distal phalanx and plantar branches to digital cushion of lateral and medial digits. Only V. digital dorsal common III presented higher width after 36 hours and constriction with 30 days (P≤0.05) of oligofructose administration. Comparing moments, vessel dilation on M1 and constriction on other moments. Measurement of vessel width didn´t suffer interference when groups were compared. Venography of bovine digits allowed for the study and identification of changes in vascularization.(AU)

Pulmonary vasculature in dogs assessed by three-dimensional fractal analysis and chemometrics.

Fractal analysis of canine pulmonary vessels could allow quantification of their space-filling properties. Aims of this prospective, analytical, cross-sectional study were to describe methods for reconstructing three dimensional pulmonary arterial vascular trees from computed tomographic pulmonary angiogram, applying fractal analyses of these vascular trees in dogs with and without diseases that are known to predispose to thromboembolism, and testing the hypothesis that diseased dogs would have a different fractal dimension than healthy dogs. A total of 34 dogs were sampled. Based on computed tomographic pulmonary angiograms findings, dogs were divided in three groups: diseased with pulmonary thromboembolism (n = 7), diseased but without pulmonary thromboembolism (n = 21), and healthy (n = 6). An observer who was aware of group status created three-dimensional pulmonary artery vascular trees for each dog using a semiautomated segmentation technique. Vascular three-dimensional reconstructions were then evaluated using fractal analysis. Fractal dimensions were analyzed, by group, using analysis of variance and principal component analysis. Fractal dimensions were significantly different among the three groups taken together (P = 0.001), but not between the diseased dogs alone (P = 0.203). The principal component analysis showed a tendency of separation between healthy control and diseased groups, but not between groups of dogs with and without pulmonary thromboembolism. Findings indicated that computed tomographic pulmonary angiogram images can be used to reconstruct three-dimensional pulmonary arterial vascular trees in dogs and that fractal analysis of these three-dimensional vascular trees is a feasible method for quantifying the spatial relationships of pulmonary arteries. These methods could be applied in further research studies on pulmonary and vascular diseases in dogs.

Texture analysis of pulmonary parenchymateous changes related to pulmonary thromboembolism in dogs - a novel approach using quantitative methods.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in dogs relies on computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA), but detailed interpretation of CTPA images is demanding for the radiologist and only large vessels may be evaluated. New approaches for better detection of smaller thrombi include dual energy computed tomography (DECT) as well as computer assisted diagnosis (CAD) techniques. The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of quantitative texture analysis for detecting dogs with PTE using grey-level co-occurrence matrices (GLCM) and multivariate statistical classification analyses. CT images from healthy (n = 6) and diseased (n = 29) dogs with and without PTE confirmed on CTPA were segmented so that only tissue with CT numbers between -1024 and -250 Houndsfield Units (HU) was preserved. GLCM analysis and subsequent multivariate classification analyses were performed on texture parameters extracted from these images. RESULTS: Leave-one-dog-out cross validation and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) showed that the models generated from the texture analysis were able to predict healthy dogs with optimal levels of performance. Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) obtained a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 96%, while Support Vector Machines (SVM) yielded a sensitivity of 99% and a specificity of 100%. The models, however, performed worse in classifying the type of disease in the diseased dog group: In diseased dogs with PTE sensitivities were 30% (PLS-DA) and 38% (SVM), and specificities were 80% (PLS-DA) and 89% (SVM). In diseased dogs without PTE the sensitivities of the models were 59% (PLS-DA) and 79% (SVM) and specificities were 79% (PLS-DA) and 82% (SVM). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that texture analysis of CTPA images using GLCM is an effective tool for distinguishing healthy from abnormal lung. Furthermore the texture of pulmonary parenchyma in dogs with PTE is altered, when compared to the texture of pulmonary parenchyma of healthy dogs. The models' poorer performance in classifying dogs within the diseased group, may be related to the low number of dogs compared to texture variables, a lack of balanced number of dogs within each group or a real lack of difference in the texture features among the diseased dogs.

Computed tomographic and angiographic assessment of spinal extradural arteriovenous fistulas in a dog.

A 6-month-old German shepherd dog was presented for progressive paraparesis. Multiple arteriovenous fistulae and hyperostosis of the thoracic vertebrae with secondary thoraco-lumbar spinal cord compression were diagnosed. Arteriovenous spinal fistula is a rare condition but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in young dogs with progressive paraparesis.

Évaluation par tomodensitométrie et angiographie de fistules artérioveineuses extradurales spinales chez un chien. Un chien Berger allemand âgé de 6 mois a été présenté pour une paraparésie progressive. De nombreuses fistules artérioveineuses et de l'hyperostose des vertèbres thoraciques avec une compression de la colonne vertébrale thoraco-lombaire secondaire ont été diagnostiquées. Les fistules spinales artérioveineuses sont une rare affection mais elles devraient être considérées comme un diagnostic différentiel chez les jeunes chiens atteints de paraparésie progressive.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Use of ECG-gated computed tomography, echocardiography and selective angiography in five dogs with pulmonic stenosis and one dog with pulmonic stenosis and aberrant coronary arteries.

Pulmonic stenosis (PS) is the most common congenital cardiac disease in dogs. Boxers and English bulldogs are among the most commonly affected breeds and also commonly associated with an aberrant coronary artery (CA). If an aberrant CA is suspected and balloon valvuloplasty indicated, an intra-operative angiography is recommended prior to the procedure. ECG-gated computed tomography (CT) can be used to screen for CA anomalies in a quick and minimally-invasive way (preventing side effects associated with selective catheter angiography) and allowing early planning of the procedure. The aim of this case series was to report CT findings associated with PS diagnosed by echocardiography. Our database was retrospectively searched for cases of dogs with PS diagnosed by echocardiography, where an ECG-gated CT was performed. A total of six cases were retrieved: all were diagnosed with severe PS. Four dogs had concurrent congenital defects: two dogs had a patent ductus arteriosus, one dog had a ventricular septal defect and an overriding aorta, one dog had an aberrant CA. Detailed CT findings of all cases were reported, including one case of a patent ductus arteriosus and an overriding aorta not identified by transthoracic echocardiography. In addition, an abnormal single left coronary ostium, with a pre-pulmonic right CA was described. In conclusion, despite echocardiography remaining the gold standard for diagnosis and assessment of PS, ECG-gated-CT angiography is a complementary diagnostic method that may provide additional relevant information, shorten surgery/anaesthesia time and reduce the amount of radiation to which the clinician is subjected.

Evaluation of surgical outcome, complications, and mortality in dogs undergoing preoperative computed tomography angiography for diagnosis of an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt: 124 cases (2005-2014).

This study evaluated the safety of preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) and its effect on surgical time and clinical outcomes in dogs that underwent surgical correction of a single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CEPSS). Patient data were retrospectively collected from medical records and owner communications for 124 dogs with single CEPSS, undergoing preoperative CTA (n = 43) or not (n = 81) which were surgically treated from 2005 to 2014. The frequency of major postoperative complications was 4.7% and 9.9% for the CTA and no CTA groups, respectively (P = 0.49). Mean ± standard deviation (SD) surgical time for the preoperative CTA group was 84 ± 40 min and 81 ± 31 min for the no CTA group (P = 0.28). We conclude that anesthetized preoperative CTA appears to be a safe method for diagnosis and surgical planning in dogs with single CEPSS, and does not appear to affect surgical procedure time, complication rate, or clinical outcome.

Évaluation des résultats chirurgicaux, des complications et de la mortalité chez les chiens subissant une angiographie par tomodensitométrie préopératoire pour le diagnostic d'un shunt portosystémique extrahépatique : 124 cas (2005­2014). Cette étude a évalué l'innocuité d'une angiographie par tomodensitométrie (AT) préopératoire et son effet sur la durée de la chirurgie et les résultats cliniques chez les chiens qui avaient subi la correction chirurgicale d'un shunt portosystémique extrahépatique congénital simple (SPSEHC). Les données des patients ont été recueillies rétrospectivement dans les dossiers médicaux et lors de communications avec les propriétaires pour 124 chiens atteints d'un SPSEHC simple, qui subissaient une AT préopératoire (n = 43) ou non (n = 81), et qui avaient été traités par chirurgie entre 2005 et 2014. La fréquence des complications postopératoires majeures était de 4,7 % et de 9,9 % pour les groupes AT et sans AT, respectivement (P = 0,49). La durée moyenne ± SD de la chirurgie pour le groupe d'AT préopératoire était de 84 ± 40 minutes et de 81 ± 31 minutes pour le groupe sans AT (P = 0,28). Nous avons conclu que l'AT préopératoire semble être une méthode sûre pour le diagnostic et la planification chirurgicale des chiens ayant un SPSEHC simple et qu'elle ne semble pas affecter la durée de l'intervention, le taux de complication ou les résultats cliniques.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).