Diagnosis of primary secretory otitis media in the cavalier King Charles spaniel.

BACKGROUND: Primary secretory otitis media (PSOM) is a disease reported in the cavalier King Charles spaniel (CKCS). The diagnosis of PSOM has been made based only on visualization of a bulging tympanic membrane and mucus in the middle ear post-myringotomy. No additional tests have been evaluated for the diagnosis of PSOM; CKCSs with early disease may have been missed. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare otoscopy, tympanometry, pneumotoscopy and tympanic bulla ultrasonography, using computed tomography (CT) as the gold standard for the diagnosis of PSOM in the CKCS. ANIMALS: Sixty CKCSs with clinical signs suggestive of PSOM. METHODS: Otoscopy, CT scan, tympanic bulla ultrasonography, tympanometry and pneumotoscopy were performed; those CKCSs with a soft tissue density in the middle ear identified on CT had a myringotomy and middle ear flush. RESULTS: Forty-three (72%) CKCSs had PSOM (30 bilateral, 13 unilateral). A large bulging pars flaccida was identified in only those CKCS with PSOM (specificity of 100%); however, only 21 of 73 ears with PSOM had a large bulging pars flaccida (sensitivity of 29%). Sensitivity and specificity for tympanometry, pneumotoscopy and tympanic bulla ultrasonography were (84%, 47%), (75%, 79%) and (67%, 47%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Based on these results a large bulging pars flaccida indicates the presence of PSOM, whereas a flat pars flaccida may be present in CKCS that have PSOM as well as those that do not. In CKCSs with a flat pars flaccida none of the above diagnostic tests can be recommended in place of CT scan for the diagnosis of PSOM.

Ectopic ureters in male dogs: review of 16 clinical cases (1999-2007).

Ureteral ectopia is a well-described cause of urinary incontinence in female dogs, but this condition has not been completely characterized in male dogs. Sixteen male dogs with ectopic ureters were evaluated between Jan 1999 and Mar 2007. Male dogs were similar to female dogs with ectopic ureters in terms of breed, presenting complaint, age of onset, and bilateral nature of the ectopia. Diagnosis was made by expert interpretation of imaging techniques such as excretory urography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Overall, 11 of 13 dogs that had surgical correction of ectopic ureters were incontinent preoperatively. Urinary continence was restored in 82% of those dogs.

Influence of bone cements on bone-screw interfaces in the third metacarpal and third metatarsal bones of horses.

OBJECTIVE: To compare biomechanical strength, interface quality, and effects of bone healing in bone-implant interfaces that were untreated or treated with calcium phosphate cement (Ca-cement), magnesium phosphate cement (Mg-cement), or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in horses. ANIMALS: 6 adult horses. PROCEDURES: 4 screw holes were created (day 0) in each third metacarpal and third metatarsal bone of 6 horses. In each bone, a unicortical screw was placed in each hole following application of Ca-cement, Mg-cement, PMMA, or no treatment (24 screw holes/treatment). Screws were inserted to 2.82 N m torque. Horses were euthanized and bones were harvested at day 5 (16 screw holes/treatment) or day 182 (8 screw holes/treatment). Radiography, biomechanical testing, histomorphometry, and micro-computed tomography were performed to characterize the bone-implant interfaces. RESULTS: Use of Mg-cement increased the peak torque to failure at bone-implant interfaces, compared with the effects of no treatment and Ca-cement, and increased interface toughness, compared with the effects of no treatment, Ca-cement, and PMMA. Histologically, there was 44% less Ca-cement and 69% less Mg-cement at the interfaces at day 182, compared with amounts present at day 5. Within screw threads, Ca-cement increased mineral density, compared with PMMA or no treatment. In the bone adjacent to the screw, Mg-cement increased mineral density, compared with PMMA or no treatment. One untreated and 1 Ca-cement-treated screw backed out after day 5. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In horses, Mg-cement promoted bone-implant bonding and adjacent bone osteogenesis, which may reduce the risk of screw loosening.

Effects of orthopedic implants with a polycaprolactone polymer coating containing bone morphogenetic protein-2 on osseointegration in bones of sheep.

OBJECTIVE: To determine elution characteristics of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 from a polycaprolactone coating applied to orthopedic implants and determine effects of this coating on osseointegration. ANIMALS: 6 sheep. PROCEDURES: An in vitro study was conducted to determine BMP-2 elution from polycaprolactone-coated implants. An in vivo study was conducted to determine the effects on osseointegration when the polycaprolactone with BMP-2 coating was applied to bone screws. Osseointegration was assessed via radiography, measurement of peak removal torque and bone mineral density, and histomorphometric analysis. Physiologic response was assessed by measuring serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase activity and uptake of bone markers. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD elution on day 1 of the in vitro study was 263 +/- 152 pg/d, which then maintained a plateau at 59.8 +/- 29.1 pg/d. Mean peak removal torque for screws coated with polycalprolactone and BMP-2 (0.91 +/- 0.65 dN x m) and screws coated with polycaprolactone alone (0.97 +/- 1.30 dN.m) did not differ significantly from that for the control screws (2.34 +/- 1.62 dN x m). Mean bone mineral densities were 0.535 +/- 0.060 g/cm(2), 0.596 +/- 0.093 g/cm(2), and 0.524 +/- 0.142 g/cm(2) for the polycaprolactone-BMP-2-coated, polycaprolactone-coated, and control screws, respectively, and did not differ significantly among groups. Histologically, bone was in closer apposition to the implant with the control screws than with either of the coated screws. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: BMP-2 within the polycaprolactone coating did not stimulate osteogenesis. The polycaprolactone coating appeared to cause a barrier effect that prevented formation of new bone. A longer period or use of another carrier polymer may result in increased osseointegration.

Results of excision of thymoma in cats and dogs: 20 cases (1984-2005).

OBJECTIVE: To provide long-term follow-up information for a series of dogs and cats with invasive and noninvasive thymomas treated by excision alone. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 9 cats and 11 dogs with thymoma. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed. The following factors were analyzed for their effect on prognosis: age of dog or cat, invasiveness of the tumor, percentage of lymphocytes in the mass (percentage lymphocyte composition) on histologic evaluation, and mitotic index of the mass. RESULTS: All patients were treated with excision of the tumor alone. Median overall survival time for the cats was 1,825 days, with a 1-year survival rate of 89% and a 3-year survival rate of 74%. Median overall survival time for the dogs was 790 days, with a 1-year survival rate of 64% and a 3-year survival rate of 42%. Recurrence of thymoma was observed in 2 cats and 1 dog, and a second surgery was performed in each, with subsequent survival times of 5, 3, and 4 years following the first surgery. Percentage lymphocyte composition of the mass was the only factor that was significantly correlated with survival time; animals with a high percentage of lymphocytes lived longer. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of this study indicated that most cats and dogs with thymomas did well after excision. Even cats and dogs with invasive masses that survived the surgery and the few cats and dogs with recurrent thymomas or paraneoplastic syndromes had a good long-term outcome. Excision should be considered an effective treatment option for dogs and cats with thymomas.

Effects of a magnesium adhesive cement on bone stability and healing following a metatarsal osteotomy in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To compare biodegradable magnesium phosphate cement (Mg-cement), calcium phosphate cement (Ca-cement), and no cement on bone repair, biocompatibility, and bone adhesive characteristics in vivo in horses. ANIMALS: 8 clinically normal adult horses. PROCEDURES: Triangular fragments (1-cm-long arms) were created by Y-shaped osteotomy of the second and fourth metatarsal bones (MTII and MTIV, respectively). Fragments were replaced in pairs to compare Mg-cement (MTII, n = 8; MTIV, 8) with Ca-cement (MTIV, 8) or with no cement (MTII, 8). Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed for 7 weeks, at which time osteotomy sites were harvested for computed tomographic measurement of bone density and callus amount, 3-point mechanical testing, and histologic evaluation of healing pattern and biodegradation. RESULTS: All horses tolerated the procedure without clinical problems. Radiographically, Mg-cement secured fragments significantly closer to parent bone, compared with Ca-cement or no treatment. Callus amount and bone remodeling and healing were significantly greater with Mg-cement, compared with Ca-cement or no cement. Biomechanical testing results and callus density among treatments were not significantly different. Significantly greater woven bone was observed adjacent to the Mg-cement without foreign body reaction, compared with Ca-cement or no cement. The Mg-cement was not fully degraded and was still adhered to the fragment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both bone cements were biocompatible in horses, and Mg-cement may assist fracture repair by osteogenesis and fragment stabilization. Further studies are warranted on other applications and to define degradation characteristics.

Subchondral bone density and cartilage degeneration patterns in osteoarthritic metacarpal condyles of horses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and correlate patterns of subchondral bone density and articular cartilage degeneration (derived by use of gross, histologic, and computed tomographic [CT] examinations) in equine third metacarpal condyles with and without osteoarthritis. SAMPLE POPULATION: 8 metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints (n = 4 horses) without osteoarthritis and 6 osteoarthritis-affected MCP joints (4). PROCEDURES: Horses were euthanized. The third metacarpal condyles of the joints were examined grossly and via CT (3 slice images/condyle). For 6 condylar zones, mean bone density and pattern of density distribution were determined. Data for osteoarthritis-affected and control joints were compared. Histomorphometric point count analyses identified areas of bone density for comparison with CT density measurements. RESULTS: Osteoarthritis-affected condyles had heterogeneous subchondral bone with focal resorptive lesions and patterned sclerosis, whereas control condyles had symmetric bone density distribution. In osteoarthritis-affected condyles, bone density determined via gray scale image density analysis was greater (dorsal and medial pattern), compared with control condyles, and differed among zones because of resorption and sclerosis. With regard to bone density in osteoarthritis-affected condyles, histologic findings correlated with CT images, and bone lesions were significantly correlated with cartilage lesions. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In horses, heterogeneous distribution and greater subchondral bone density were characteristic of osteoarthritis-affected condyles, compared with control condyles. Subchondral bone lesions correlated with overlying cartilage lesions in osteoarthritis-affected MCP joints. Identification of CT image characteristics appears to predict the presence of a cartilage lesion in MCP joints of horses with osteoarthritis.

Radiographic, computed tomographic, and arthroscopic evaluation of experimental radio-ulnar incongruence in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic value of arthroscopy, computed tomography (CT), and radiography for evaluation of radio-ulnar incongruence (RUI). STUDY DESIGN: Experimental evaluation of induced progressive RUI. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cadaveric Labrador forelimbs (n=11). METHODS: The radius was shortened by 1, 2, and 3 mm with a surgical model of RUI. RUI was scored on radiographs, CT (2 radiologists), and arthroscopy (2 surgeons) before and after each modification. The sensitivity and specificity of each modality were compared. The effects of arthroscope and elbow position on arthroscopy observations were evaluated. Agreement between surgeons, radiologists, and each imaging technique and the known status of the elbow was calculated. RESULTS: Complete arthroscopic sessions had an averaged sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 81.9%. The ability to detect mild incongruity (1 mm step) was greater at the incisure than other locations (P<.001). The average sensitivity and specificity of radiography were 99.3% and 42.4%, and for CT were 85.05% and 45.8%, respectively. The average agreement between imaging techniques and the known status of the elbows was greater with complete arthroscopic sessions (89.75%) than radiography (70.1%) and CT (76.85%). Inter-investigator agreement was greater between surgeons scoring arthroscopic examinations (88.6%) than radiologists scoring CT studies (43.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of arthroscopic images allows sensitive and reproducible detection of experimental RUI, especially at the incisure. Arthroscopic evaluation of experimental RUI reached a higher diagnostic value than radiographs and CT images, because of its specificity and reproducibility. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The diagnostic value and reproducibility of arthroscopy may compare favorably with those of CT when evaluating RUI in dogs with elbow disease.

Vestibular, vaginal and urethral relationships in spayed and intact normal dogs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the urogenital anatomy in sound spayed and intact dogs. Fourteen intact and 12 spayed sound dogs had their lower urogenital tract evaluated with conventional vaginourethrography, computed tomography (CT) vaginourethrography and uroendoscopy under general anesthesia. Measurements for each of the three imaging modalities were made. Measurements included vaginal length, vaginal height, vaginal width, vestibule length, vestibule height, vestibule width, cingulum height, cingulum width, cingulum area, urethral length, urethral height, urethral width, angle of urethra to vestibule and angle of vagina to vestibule. Group comparisons were made between sound spayed and intact dogs. In general, most measurements were greater in intact dogs compared to spayed dogs regardless of imaging modality utilized. Group-weight interactions (P<0.01) were found on conventional vaginourethrograms (vaginal height and length and vestibule height, length and width) and CT vaginourethrograms (vaginal length, vestibule height, length and width, cingulum area, urethral width and angle of vagina to vestibule). A three-way interaction (P<0.01) for vaginal length, vaginal height and vestibule height was also identified. Vestibule length and height, cingulum height and urethral length were larger (P<0.01) with increasing dog weight and in intact dogs for both conventional and CT vaginourethrograms. No difference in vestibulovaginal ratio was observed between intact dogs and spayed dogs (P=0.0221). One of 14 intact dogs and 8 of 12 spayed dogs had vestibulovaginal ratios <0.33 on conventional vaginourethrograms. Anatomical differences in the lower urogenital tract between spayed and intact dogs emphasizes the need to establish normal reference ranges for spayed and intact dogs.

Vestibular, vaginal, and urethral relations in spayed dogs with and without lower urinary tract signs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the urogenital anatomy in female spayed dogs with and without signs of lower urinary tract disease by using conventional vaginourethrography, computed tomography (CT) vaginourethrography, and uroendoscopy. Nineteen dogs with lower urinary tract disease and 12 normal dogs were evaluated prospectively. Measurements made included vaginal length, vaginal height, vaginal width, vestibule length, vestibule height, vestibule width, vestibulovaginal ratios, cingulum height, cingulum width, cingulum area, urethral length, urethral height, urethral width, angle of urethra to vestibule, and angle of vaginal to vestibule. Group comparisons were made between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease. Comparisons between conventional vaginourethrography and CT vaginourethrography were made when the same anatomical measurement was made by the 2 imaging modalities. There was no significant difference in all of the measurements (P > .01), including vestibulovaginal ratios and cingulum areas, between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease. There was a larger proportion of dogs with a vestibulovaginal ratio <0.33 in normal dogs (8 of 12) compared with the clinical dogs (8 of 16). A significant difference between vestibulovaginal ratios or cingulum areas between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease could not be identified. This suggests that a vestibulovaginal ratio of <0.33 may only be an incidental finding and the term "vestibulovaginal stenosis" may need to be redefined.

Comparison of ultrasonographic characteristics of the thyroid gland in healthy small-, medium-, and large-breed dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine ultrasonographic characteristics of the thyroid gland in healthy small-, medium-, and large-breed dogs and evaluate the relationships of thyroid gland size and volume with body weight and body surface area (BSA). ANIMALS: 72 dogs of small (6 Toy and 6 Miniature Poodles), medium (12 Beagles), and large breeds (12 Akitas and 36 Golden Retrievers). PROCEDURE: Each dog's thyroid gland was examined ultrasonographically with a 10- to 5-MHz multifrequency linear-array transducer. Size, shape, echogenicity, and homogeneity of thyroid lobes were evaluated on longitudinal and transverse images. Thyroid lobe volume was estimated by use of the equation for an ellipsoid (pi/6 [length x height x width]). RESULTS: Thyroid lobes appeared fusiform or elliptical on longitudinal images and triangular or round to oval on transverse images. In most dogs, thyroid lobes were hyperechoic or isoechoic, compared with surrounding musculature, and had a homogeneous echogenic pattern. Mean length, width, height, and volume of thyroid lobes were significantly greater in Akitas and Golden Retrievers, compared with findings in Beagles or Poodles; mean length, width, and height were significantly greater in Beagles, compared with findings in Poodles. Total thyroid gland volume correlated with body weight (r = 0.73) and BSA (r = 0.74). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Among the dog breeds examined ultrasonographically, thyroid lobe size and volume were more variable than shape, echogenicity, and homogeneity. The correlation of thyroid gland volume with BSA suggests that size of the dog, rather than breed, should be considered when assessing thyroid glands ultrasonographically.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the thyroid gland in healthy, hypothyroid, and euthyroid Golden Retrievers with nonthyroidal illness.

Ultrasound evaluation of the thyroid gland was performed in healthy, hypothyroid, and euthyroid Golden Retriever dogs with nonthyroidal illness (NTI) to determine the diagnostic usefulness of ultrasound for differentiating between euthyroid and hypothyroid dogs. Thirty-six healthy, 11 hypothyroid, and 35 euthyroid dogs with NTI were evaluated. Each thyroid lobe was examined ultrasonographically for size, shape, echogenicity, and homogeneity. Thyroid lobe volume was estimated by using the equation for an ellipsoid: pi/6(length X height x width). No differences were found between healthy dogs and euthyroid dogs with NTI. In the majority of euthyroid dogs, the thyroid lobes were fusiform and triangular in shape in longitudinal and transverse planes, respectively. The thyroid capsule appeared smooth. The thyroid parenchyma had a homogeneous echogenic pattern and usually was hyperechoic or isoechoic compared with the surrounding musculature. Ultrasound findings in hypothyroid dogs were more variable, including a greater frequency of round to oval-shaped thyroid lobes in the transverse imaging plane (P < .05), hypoechogenicity of the thyroid parenchyma compared with surrounding musculature (P < .001), and a decrease in the size and volume of the thyroid lobes and total volume of the thyroid gland (P < .05) compared with euthyroid dogs. Other findings in hypothyroid dogs included an irregular surface to the thyroid capsule, a heterogeneous pattern to the thyroid parenchyma, and differences in the echogenic pattern between the left and right thyroid lobes. Results suggest that determination of thyroid size and volume by ultrasound may be a useful adjunctive test for differentiating between hypothyroid and euthyroid dogs with NTI.

Digital fluoroscopic excretory urography, digital fluoroscopic urethrography, helical computed tomography, and cystoscopy in 24 dogs with suspected ureteral ectopia.

The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic utility of helical computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of ectopic ureters in the dog and to compare these findings with those of digital fluoroscopic excretory urography and digital fluoroscopic urethrography. Ureteral ectopia was confirmed or disproved based on findings from cystoscopy and exploratory surgery or postmortem examination. Of 24 dogs (20 female, 4 male) evaluated, 17 had ureteral ectopia. Digital fluoroscopic excretory urography and CT correctly identified ureteral ectopic status and site of ureteral ectopia (P < .05). Urethrography did not reliably detect ureteral ectopia. No false-positive diagnoses of ureteral ectopia were made in any of the imaging studies. Cystoscopic findings significantly agreed with findings during surgery in determining ureteral ectopic status and ectopic ureter site. One false-positive cystoscopic diagnosis of unilateral ureteral ectopia was made in a male dog. Kappa statistics showed better agreement between CT and both cystoscopy and surgical or postmortem examination findings with regard to presence and site of ureteral ectopia compared with other imaging techniques. CT was more useful than other established diagnostic imaging techniques for diagnosing canine ureteral ectopia.

Computed tomographic osteoabsorptiometry of the elbow joint in clinically normal dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate subchondral bone density patterns in elbow joints of clinically normal dogs by use of computed tomographic (CT) osteoabsorptiometry. SAMPLE POPULATION: 20 cadaver forelimbs from 10 clinically normal dogs. PROCEDURE: Each elbow joint was imaged in parasagittal and transverse planes of 1.5-mm thickness. Slice data were converted to dipotassium phosphate equivalent density (PPED) values. Sagittal, parasagittal, and transverse medial coronoid process topographic maps were constructed. Defined zones were created for each of the 3 CT planes, and confluence and peak PPED values were determined. RESULTS: The lowest PPED value was 340 mg/ml (articular and subchondral confluence), and the highest was 1780 mg/ml (peak subchondral density). Detectable effects of joint laterality were not found in the confluence or peak PPED measurements or in the peak-to-confluence PPED ratio for all 3 CT planes. Significant differences were found among zones in all 3 planes for confluence and peak PPED measurements and between sagittal and transverse planes for peak-to-confluence PPED ratios. Subjectively, the pattern of density distribution among dogs was fairly consistent for the sagittal and parasagittal slices. Three specific patterns of density distribution were apparent on the transverse topographic maps of the medial coronoid process that corresponded to conformational differences. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of CT osteoabsorptiometry provides a repeatable technique that can be used to noninvasively examine bone density and the effects of stress acting on joints in vivo. Variability in density values for any of the CT planes was not identified among clinically normal dogs.

Determination of extrarenal plasma clearance and hepatic uptake of technetium-99m-mercaptoacetyltriglycine in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine maximum extrarenal plasma clearance of technetium-99m-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (99mTc-MAG3) and maximum extrarenal hepatic uptake of 99mTc-MAG3 in cats. ANIMALS: 6 clinically normal adult cats. PROCEDURES: Simultaneously, baseline plasma clearance and camera-based uptake of 99mTc-MAG3 were determined in anesthetized cats. Double exponential curves were fitted to plasma clearance data. Injected dose was divided by area under the curve and body weight to determine 99mTc-MAG3 clearance. Regions of interest were drawn around kidneys and liver, and percentage dose uptake was determined 1 to 3 minutes after injection. After bilateral nephrectomy, simultaneous extrarenal plasma clearance and camera-based hepatic uptake of 99mTc-MAG3 were evaluated in each cat. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD baseline plasma clearance and extrarenal clearance were 5.29 +/- 0.77 and 0.84 +/- 0.47 mL/min/kg, respectively. Mean extrarenal clearance (as a percentage of baseline plasma clearance) was 16.06 +/- 7.64%. For right, left, and both kidneys, mean percentage dose uptake was 9.42 +/- 2.58, 9.37 +/- 0.86, and 18.79 +/- 2.47%, respectively. Mean hepatic percentage dose uptake before and after nephrectomy was 12.95 +/- 0.93 and 21.47 +/- 2.00%, respectively. Mean percentage change of hepatic uptake after nephrectomy was 166.89 +/- 23.19%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In cats, extrarenal clearance of 99mTc-MAG3 is higher than that of other species; therefore, 99mTc-MAG3 is not useful for estimation of renal function in felids. Evaluation of renal function in cats may be more accurate via camera-based versus plasma clearance-based methods because camera-based studies can discriminate specific organs.

Evaluation of transurethral cystoscopy and excretory urography for diagnosis of ectopic ureters in female dogs: 25 cases (1992-2000).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate transurethral cystoscopy and excretory urography for diagnosis of ectopic ureter in female dogs and identify concurrent urogenital abnormalities. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 25 female dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records of female dogs that underwent transurethral cystoscopy, excretory urography, and ventral cystotomy were reviewed for signalment, history, physical examination findings, results of bacteriologic culture of urine, and surgical findings. Videotapes of transurethral cystoscopy and radiographic studies were reviewed systematically without knowledge of surgical findings. RESULTS: Ectopic ureters were diagnosed in 24 of 25 (96%) of the dogs, bilaterally in 22 of 24 (91.6%) dogs. Cystoscopic evaluation yielded a correct diagnosis in all dogs when results of ventral cystotomy were used as the diagnostic standard. Cystoscopic evaluation identified a terminal ureteral opening for all ureters. Urethral fenestrations, troughs, striping, and tenting were identified. Abnormalities of the vestibule were identified in all examinations available for review (24/25). The paramesonephric septal remnant and its association with ectopic ureters were identified and characterized by cystoscopy. Radiographic findings were discordant with surgical findings and correctly identified 36 of 46 (78.2%) ectopic ureters and 2 of 4 normal ureters. Hydroureter and renal abnormalities were associated with distal urethral ectopic ureters on radiographic evaluations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Transurethral cystoscopy was accurate and minimally invasive for identification and classification of ectopic ureters in dogs. Contrast radiography had limitations in diagnosis of ectopic ureters. Cystoscopic findings and associated vaginal and vestibular abnormalities support abnormal embryologic development in the pathogenesis of ectopic ureters.

Postoperative assessment of surgical clip position in 16 dogs with cancer: a pilot study.

Metallic hemoclips or surgical staples were inserted in 16 tumor-bearing dogs at the time of surgical resection of the tumor. Orthogonal radiographs were taken immediately postoperatively and after wound healing to visualize the location and number of hemoclips or metallic staples. A shift in hemoclip/staple position was identified in nine dogs, mainly from positioning during radiography. In three dogs, an absolute shift in marker position was identified. Based on this study, it appears that the placement of surgical clips is potentially useful in identifying the tumor bed, which may be of benefit in establishing radiation treatment fields.

Fractures in regions of adaptive modeling and remodeling of central tarsal bones in racing Greyhounds.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare bone modeling and remodeling in fractured and non-fractured central tarsal bones (CTBs) of racing Greyhounds. SAMPLE: Paired cadaveric tarsi from 6 euthanized racing Greyhounds with right CTB fractures and 6 racing Greyhounds with other nontarsal injuries. PROCEDURES: CTBs were dissected and fractured CTBs were reconstructed. Central tarsal bones were evaluated through standard and nonscreen high-detail radiography, computed tomography, and histologic examination. The bone mineral density (BMD) was calculated adjacent to fracture planes and as a gradient on sagittal computed tomographic images. Sagittal and transverse plane sections of bone were obtained and submitted for subjective histologic assessment. Linear mixed-effects models were used to compare findings. RESULTS: Fractured right CTBs had greater BMD in the dorsal and midbody regions of the sagittal plane sections than did nonfractured CTBs. The BMD ratios from bone adjacent to the dorsal slab fracture planes were not different between fractured and nonfractured right CTBs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings supported the existence of site-specific bone adaptation in CTBs of Greyhounds, with modeling and remodeling patterns that were unique to fractured right CTBs. The dorsal and midbody regions of fractured bones had greater BMD, and fractures occurred through these zones of increased BMD.