Computed tomographic features of pneumothorax secondary to a bronchopleural fistula in two dogs.

A bronchopleural fistula (BPF) can lead to continuous pneumothorax and is rarely reported clinically in dogs. This report describes computed tomographic (CT) findings in two dogs with BPFs and subsequent continuous pneumothoraces that necessitated thoracotomy. Both dogs had a peripheral BPF in the right caudal lung lobe. The fistula in one dog was secondary to a previous foreign body migration, and the fistula in the other was thought to be secondary to dirofilariasis. On both CT examinations, a dilated subsegmental bronchus was seen communicating with the pleural space at the center of a focal, concave region of parenchymal consolidation. Multiplanar reformatting aided in identification and characterization of the BPF. The pneumothoraces resolved after right caudal lobectomy in both dogs. CT has the potential to identify BPFs, such as secondary to foreign body migration or dirofilariasis.

Complications associated with cheek tooth extraction in the horse.

Common indications for cheek tooth extraction in the horse include dental fracture, periodontal disease, severe decay/ caries, mandibular fracture with alveolar/tooth involvement, and periapical abscess. Complications secondary to extraction of cheek teeth are prevalent. Typical complications may include retained root tip(s), collateral damage of neighboring teeth and alveolar bone, mandibular fracture non-union or delayed union, cemental ankylosis, dilacerated root(s), oroantral/oronasal fistula, palatal deviation of cheek teeth, bone sequestration, sinus involvement, alveolar plug failure, and palatine artery laceration. This paper presents a series of cases that had complications following cheek tooth extraction. Anticipation of problematic extractions, recognition of complications, and appropriate treatment will aid the clinician in managing the inevitable cheek tooth extraction complication.

Traumatic subarachnoid-pleural fistula in a dog.

Subarachnoid-pleural fistula is a rare occurrence in humans as a result of trauma or spinal surgery. Such fistulas commonly remain undiagnosed until sufficient cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the pleural space to cause respiratory distress. We describe a subarachnoid-pleural fistula in a dog that occurred subsequent to blunt trauma sustained during a fall, with concurrent acute, traumatic intervertebral disc rupture. The extruded disc material penetrated the dura mater, allowing communication between the subarachnoid space and the extrapleural thoracic cavity. Radiographic, myelographic, and computed tomographic (CT) findings are reviewed. Abnormalities noted during myelography included an intradural-extramedullary lesion at T11-T12, with epidural leakage of contrast medium from the region of T12 extending cranially. In images from myelography and CT there was extravasation of contrast medium extending from the subarachnoid and epidural space into the extrapleural thoracic cavity.

Imaging diagnosis: biliopleural fistula in a dog.

A 3-year-old intact male Brittany Spaniel was admitted for thoracic gunshot wounds. Despite continued supportive care, the dog's condition deteriorated. Thoracic/abdominal ultrasound revealed a biliopleural fistula. Following fistula repair, the dog made a complete recovery. This case represented a diagnostic challenge because of the uncommon clinical presentation of a severe bile pleuritis in the absence of significant bile peritonitis. Biliopleural fistula is a rare condition but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in trauma patients with pleural effusion, especially those with penetrating thoracic injuries. Ultrasonography can be used to diagnose this disorder preoperatively.

Pneumopericardium associated with a pulmonary-pericardial communication in a dog.

A 6-year-old 18-kg (39-lb) spayed female Standard Poodle was referred for treatment of pneumopericardium. The dog did not have severe clinical signs relating to the pneumopericardium, and the diagnosis was made incidentally while investigating the cause of a cough. Computed tomography revealed an air-filled structure consistent with a bulla to the right of the heart base that appeared to communicate with the pericardial cavity Because spontaneous resolution of the pneumopericardium seemed unlikely and cardiac tamponade was a possibility, exploratory thoracotomy was performed. A lobulated bulla was found at the hilus of the right middle lung lobe adhered to the underlying pericardial sac, and a 4-cm-diameter communication from the pericardium to the pulmonary bulla was found. Right middle lung lobectomy was performed, and the pericardiotomy and pericardial opening were sutured. The dog recovered without complications. In previously reported cases of pneumopericardium involving a cat and a dog, the condition resolved spontaneously. In this dog, in contrast, surgical resection of the affected lung lobe with pericardial reconstruction was required for resolution of the pneumopericardium.

Use of positive contrast rhinography and intranasal sinography for diagnosis of a nasofacial sinus tract in a dog.

Twelve days after a dog fight, a 2-year-old sexually intact female Bulldog was evaluated because of subcutaneous emphysema of increasing severity throughout the dogs body. Thoracic radiography revealed severe pneumomediastinum from which free air had extended into the retroperitoneal space, resulting in pneumoperitoneum. Tracheoscopic examination did not reveal a discontinuity of the trachea, pharynx, or larynx. A breach between the nasal cavity and subcutaneous tissues of the nasal region was suspected. Further diagnostic investigations included positive contrast rhinography and intranasal sinography. Via an angiographic catheter inserted into the left naris, positive contrast intranasal sinography revealed a sinus tract extending between the left nasal cavity and the subcutaneous tissue of the dorsal aspect of the nasal planum. Resolution of subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and pneumoretroperitoneum began 1 day after surgical closure of the intranasal opening of the sinus tract. To the authors' knowledge, this radiographic technique has not been reported.

Abomasal ulceration and abomaso-pleural fistula in an 11-month-old beefmaster bull.

An 11-month-old, beefmaster bull presented with anorexia and signs of respiratory disease. Physical examination, thoracic ultrasonography and radiography, and pleural fluid analysis indicated pericarditis and septic neutrophilic pleuropneumonia. Postmortem findings were abomasal adherence to the diaphragm, a fibrotic fistulous tract connecting the abomasum and pleural cavity, granulomatous abomasitis, granulomatous pericarditis, and fibrinonecrotic pleuritis.