Computed tomographic characteristics of confirmed and presumed noncutaneous pythiosis in 25 dogs.

Pythium insidiosum is an aquatic oomycete that causes granulomatous infection in dogs, most commonly cutaneous and gastrointestinal. Ultrasonographic characteristics of gastrointestinal pythiosis have been described; occasionally, CT is utilized in the clinical setting, and CT features of pythiosis have not been published. The purpose of this retrospective, multicenter, descriptive study is to describe CT characteristics of noncutaneous canine pythiosis. The following CT parameters were recorded: lesion anatomic location, number, shape, margination, size, attenuation pre- and postcontrast, enhancement pattern, lymph nodes affected, other lesions identified, and presence of peritoneal effusion or steatitis. Descriptive statistics demonstrating the frequency of lesion appearances were performed. Twenty-five dogs with noncutaneous pythiosis lesions that underwent CT were included; 19 had primarily gastrointestinal infections, four primarily arterial infections, one intrathoracic and intra-abdominal infection, and one primary pulmonary infection. In dogs with primary gastrointestinal infection, lesions were most common at the ileocolic junction and were most frequently focal, well-defined, moderate to marked circumferential wall thickening that was homogeneous and smoothly marginated precontrast, with moderate heterogeneous contrast enhancement. Most dogs had involvement of multiple gastrointestinal regions. Of four dogs with primary arterial involvement, three had large aneurysmal dilatations of the cranial mesenteric artery with severe mural thickening. All dogs had regional lymphadenopathy, which was variable but generally mild. Nine dogs had peritoneal effusion; six dogs had steatitis. CT features of pythiosis can overlap with neoplasia, but pythiosis should be considered as a differential, especially in young dogs. Findings supported using CT as an adjunct imaging test for increasing clinical suspicion of noncutaneous pythiosis.

Radiographic determination of the tracheal indices at caudal cervical, thoracic-inlet, and intra-thoracic trachea in non-bulldog brachycephalic breeds without evidence of cardiorespiratory disease.

BACKGROUND: Congenital tracheal hypoplasia is a component of airway syndrome affecting a wide variety of brachycephalic dog breeds. Several radiographic procedures were utilized to assess vertical tracheal diameter (VTD) in dogs. The objective of this study was to calculate the tracheal indices at the caudal cervical, thoracic-inlet, and intra-thoracic tracheal regions on the right lateral thoracic radiograph to further establish a screening protocol for diagnosis of tracheal hypoplasia in non-bulldog brachycephalic breeds. Dogs without clinical or radiographic evidence of tracheal, respiratory, or cardiovascular abnormalities were investigated. The absolute and average VTDs were normalized by manubrium length (ML), thoracic-inlet distance (Ti-D), and proximal 3rd rib width (PR3-W). Manubrium-tracheal index (M-TI), thoracic inlet-tracheal index (Ti-TI), and proximal R3-tracheal score (PR3-TS) were calculated. Correlations between averaged VTD and each of the normalizing parameters (ML, Ti-D, and PR3-W), and between M-TI and each of the previously established procedures (Ti-TI and PR3-TS) were determined. RESULTS: Eighty healthy subjects met the inclusion criteria for the study. There were significant differences (P ≤ 0.0001) among the means of absolute and normalized VTDs at the 3 tracheal levels. The smallest VTD was identified at the thoracic inlet. The average tracheal diameter showed a better correlation with ML (rs=0.81, P < 0.0001) compared to Ti-D and PR3-W. There was a strong correlation (rs=0.83, P < 0.0001) between the averaged M-TI and Ti-TI. CONCLUSION: Radiographic M-TI could be an alternative to traditional procedures to assess the tracheal lumen in non-bulldog brachycephalic dogs. M-TI < 0.39, < 0.30, or < 0.34 at caudal cervical, thoracic inlet, or intrathoracic trachea, respectively, may indicate tracheal hypoplasia in non-bulldog brachycephalic breeds. Screening of tracheal diameter using M-TI should be recommended. However, further investigation of non-bulldog brachycephalic breeds with cardiac and/or respiratory disease is indicated.

Self-Efficacy and Student Satisfaction in a Clinical-Year Diagnostic Imaging Course Using an Online Instruction Format.

Accurate interpretation of radiographic images is critical to diagnosing clinical patients. Remote instruction in radiology has become more common at veterinary colleges as academic institutions struggle to fill open veterinary radiologist positions and as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to gather the feedback of fourth-year veterinary students via pre- and post-study surveys (n = 45) and focus groups (n = 7) about a newly implemented 2-week long radiology rotation. Ninety-eight percent of students reported having taken an online course before, and on both pre- and post-study surveys, students commonly reported feeling interested, determined, and attentive. On average, students reported that they were neither more nor less engaged than they would have been in an in-person course and that they understood the material neither better nor worse than they would have in an in-person course. Students reported that the key to their success was primarily hard work; secondarily, instructor availability and student ability were important. Students did not rate luck as having much influence on their success. Although diagnostic imaging can be a challenging subject to master, students effectively learned this subject through online instruction. They provided feedback for the course's continued improvement; their comments centered around improved interactivity, including providing automated quiz questions' answers and increased instructor availability. Data collected in this study will help to guide further development of the radiology course.

Radiographic vertical tracheal diameter assessment at different levels along the trachea as an alternative method for the evaluation of the tracheal diameter in non-brachycephalic small breed dogs.

BACKGROUND: Tracheal narrowing due to congenital tracheal hypoplasia, acquired tracheal stenosis and tracheal collapse can lead to life-threatening respiratory distress. Tracheal hypoplasia has been identified in brachycephalic dog breeds, predominantly English Bulldogs, by measuring the tracheal diameter compared to the diameter of the thoracic inlet and creating a ratio. However, reference ranges for tracheal diameter have not been established for non-brachycephalic small breed dogs. It would be advantageous to have established tracheal diameters for non-brachycephalic small breed dogs, as these are the dogs most at risk of tracheal collapse. The main objective, of this study was to radiographically evaluate vertical tracheal diameter (VTD) at three standardized locations along the trachea of non-brachycephalic small breed dogs, in an attempt to further establish a screening diagnostic protocol for canine tracheal hypoplasia. Medical records and thoracic radiographs of non-brachycephalic small breed dogs without respiratory disease were reviewed. Right lateral radiographs were reviewed. The absolute and average VTDs at three locations (location A: caudal cervical VTD; location B thoracic inlet VTD; location C: intrathoracic VTD) were standardized by manubrium length (ML), as well as by the previously utilized thoracic inlet distance (Ti-D) and proximal 3rd rib width (PR3-W) to calculate manubrium-tracheal index (M-TI), thoracic inlet-tracheal index (Ti-TI), and proximal R3-tracheal score (PR3-TS), respectively. Correlations between averaged tracheal diameter and each of the ML, Ti-D, and PR3-W, and between M-TI and each of Ti-TI and PR3-TS were calculated. RESULTS: Eighty-one healthy dogs met the criteria for inclusion. Significant differences (P < 0.0001) were identified among the mean values of the absolute and standardized VTDs at levels A, B, and C. The smallest tracheal diameter was identified at the level of the thoracic inlet (Level B). The average VTD correlated better with ML (rs = 0.82, P < 0.0001) compared to Ti-D and PR3-W. A relatively strong correlation (rs = 0.77, P < 0.0001) was identified between the averaged manubrium tracheal index (M-TI) and thoracic inlet tracheal index (Ti-TI). CONCLUSION: M-TI is an appropriate alternative to Ti-TI and PR3-TS to radiographically evaluate VTD in dogs. M-TI < 0.43, < 0.34, or < 0.38 at level A, B, or C, respectively, may indicate tracheal hypoplasia in non-brachycephalic small breed dogs. Screening of canine VTD could be achieved using M-TI.

Radiographical Survey of Osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish Fold Cats caused by the TRPV4 gene variant.

The unique appearance of Scottish Fold cats is caused by a single gene variant in TRPV4, which impacts the development of cartilage. This results in the ears folding forward and variable effects on articular cartilage and bone. While some find this appearance desirable, early work demonstrated that homozygous cats with two copies of this variant develop severe radiographic consequences. Subsequent breeding programs have mated heterozygous cats with straight-eared cats to ensure an equal mix of heterozygous (fold) and wild-type (nonfolded) offspring, in the hope of raising healthy cats. More recent radiological surveys suggest that these heterozygous cats may also have medical problems consisting of deformed distal extremities in the worst cases and accelerated onset of osteoarthritis. However, these previous studies were undermined by selection biases, lack of controls, unblinded assessment and lack of known genotypes. Our aim was to determine if heterozygous cats exhibit radiological abnormalities when controlling for these limitations. Specifically, DNA and radiographs were acquired for 22 Scottish Fold cats. Four reviewers, blinded to the ear phenotype, assessed the lateral radiographs. Genotyping showed that all 10 folded-ear cats were heterozygous, and none of the straight-ear cats (n = 12) had the abnormal TRPV4 variant. Although each reviewer, on average, gave a numerically worse 'severity score' to folded-ear cats relative to straight-ear cats, the images in heterozygous cats showed much milder radiological signs than previously published. This study provides additional information to be considered in the complicated debate as to whether cats with the TRPV4 variant should be bred for folded ears given the potential comorbidities.

Radiographic characteristics of alveolar microlithiasis and pulmonary ossification following chronic corticosteroid therapy in a dog.

A 10-year-old, neutered female, Australian Shepherd was referred for acute respiratory distress and a history of chronic exogenous steroid administration. On thoracic radiographs, a severe increase in mineral opacity characterized as a generalized unstructured interstitial pulmonary pattern, diffuse calcinosis cutis, and moderate hepatomegaly were noted. Cor pulmonale was identified on echocardiography. The patient developed a pneumothorax following sampling and had a cardiac arrest. Postmortem histopathology of the lungs revealed pulmonary interstitial mineralization and alveolar microlithiasis. This report supports including generalized pulmonary mineralization due to chronic exogenous steroid administration as a differential diagnosis for dogs with these clinical and imaging findings.

Interpretation of cardiac chamber size on canine thoracic radiographs is limited and may result in the false identification of right-sided cardiomegaly in the presence of severe left-sided cardiomegaly.

Qualitative assessment of individual cardiac chamber enlargement on thoracic radiographs was assessed using echocardiography as the gold standard in dogs. Using this method, the presence of severe left-sided cardiomegaly was hypothesized to contribute to the false identification of right-sided cardiomegaly on radiographs. 175 dogs with three-view thoracic radiographs were retrospectively included in this diagnostic accuracy study if echocardiography was done within 24 h, and no rescue therapy was provided in the interim. All radiographic studies were reviewed by two groups of five board-certified veterinary radiologists with greater and less than 10 years of experience for grading of cardiac chamber enlargement as normal or mildly, moderately, or severely enlarged. The agreement, sensitivity, and specificity of the radiologists' interpretation of cardiac chamber size on thoracic radiographs to measured echocardiographic grades were evaluated. A total of 147 cases had complete echocardiographic data available for analysis. Intragroup agreement was moderate for the evaluation of left atrial enlargement and slight to fair for all other cardiac chambers. Between the mode of the radiologists' responses in the two groups and the echocardiographic grades, there was slight agreement for all cardiac chambers with higher severity grades reported using echocardiography. When moderate to severe left-sided cardiomegaly was identified on echocardiography, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of radiographs were low, identifying dogs with radiographic evidence of right-sided cardiomegaly in the absence of corresponding right-sided cardiomegaly on echocardiography. Therefore, thoracic radiographs should be used with caution for the evaluation of cardiac chamber enlargement, particularly in the presence of severe left-sided cardiomegaly.

Use of radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography in the diagnosis of a pyogranulomatous ureteral mass in a cat.

An 8-year-old, spayed female, domestic short haired cat, with diabetes mellitus, was presented to the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center for an acute onset of vomiting and inappetence. Abdominal radiographs showed mild retroperitoneal effusion and asymmetric left-sided renomegaly. Subsequently, on abdominal ultrasound, a hypoechoic left ureteral mass with left hydronephrosis and hydroureter was identified. An abdominal computed tomography revealed a heterogeneously contrast-enhancing mass circumferentially surrounding the mid to distal left ureter, mild retroperitoneal effusion, left-sided hydronephrosis and hydroureter, and a distally located ureteral calculus at the level of the ureterovesicular junction. The patient was diagnosed with left-sided pyogranulomatous ureteritis via surgical biopsy and histopathology.

Radiographic anatomy of the equine distal tibia.

The radiographic anatomy of the equine distal tibia is complex and is not widely described in the current literature. Superimposition and radiographic similarities between the different osseous structures of the equine distal tibia can make it difficult for anatomic localization of pathology. The purpose of this prospective, descriptive, anatomic study was to detail the normal anatomy of the equine distal tibia using routine radiographic projections and CT of the equine tarsus. Radiographic identification of the different osseous protuberances of the distal tibia on three cadaveric limbs was achieved using radiopaque markers and evaluation of multiplanar and 3D CT reconstructions to create anatomical maps. It was found that the lateral malleolus is composed of cranial and caudal protuberances that are superimposed over the intermediate cochlear ridge of the distal tibia on the lateromedial, dorsal 45° lateral-plantaromedial, and dorsal 65° medial-plantarolateral oblique views, thereby hindering visualization of the cranial protuberance of the lateral malleolus. The medial malleolus is a simple rounded protuberance with discrete margins. On the dorsal 65° medial-plantarolateral oblique, the medial malleolus is ill-defined due to superimposition with the talus. The intermediate cochlear ridge of the distal tibia extends in a craniolateral to caudomedial direction, with its cranial protuberance largely superimposed with the calcaneus and talus on the dorsoplantar view. In summary, the distal tibial anatomy is complex and a thorough anatomical reference is necessary when reviewing radiographs of the equine tarsus for pathology. A plantaro 15° distal 85° lateral-dorsoproximomedial oblique projection is proposed to isolate all distal tibial protuberances.

Evaluation of Two Training Methods for Teaching the Abdominal Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma Technique (A-FAST) to First- and Second-Year Veterinary Students.

Ultrasound techniques, including focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) examinations, are commonly used in veterinary practice, making inclusion of ultrasound in veterinary curricula increasingly important. The best approach for teaching ultrasound techniques in veterinary medicine has not been evaluated. This study compared the results of two training techniques, live-animal training and online video instruction, on students' performance during abdominal FAST (A-FAST) examinations. Thirty-eight first- and second-year veterinary students were randomly assigned to learn A-FAST via a live-animal laboratory or an instructional video. The live-animal group received one-on-one instruction in A-FAST techniques during a single laboratory. The video group received a link to an instructional video demonstrating A-FAST techniques, allowing unlimited viewing opportunities over a two-week period. Both groups were also provided written instructional information. All participants were assessed on their ability to find and correctly name the four A-FAST quadrants on a live animal. We found a significant difference between the two groups in the students' ability to identify the diaphragmatic-hepatic (DH) view, but for the other three views (hepatorenal, splenorenal, and cystocolic), training method did not affect performance. Results suggest the potential for using a multi-modal instructional approach to teach ultrasound techniques to veterinary students.

Gradual attenuation of a congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt with a self-retaining polyacrylic acid-silicone device in 6 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of a polyacrylic acid-silicone radiolucent self-retaining gradual occlusion device (PAS-OD) to attenuate congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (EHPSS) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: Six client-owned dogs with single, congenital EHPSS. METHODS: Serum bile acids (SBA), abdominal ultrasonography, and computed tomographic angiography (CTA) were performed preoperatively and at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. Each dog was treated for EHPSS by placement of a PAS-OD. RESULTS: PAS-OD were placed without complication an average of 4.3 seconds (range, 3-7) after isolation of the shunt. Median surgical time was 38.5 minutes (range, 28-84) including concurrent procedures. All dogs recovered from surgery without complications. SBA were normal in 5 of 6 dogs at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery. The shunt was completely attenuated in 2 of 6 dogs at 4 weeks and in 4 of 6 dogs at 8 weeks, without evidence of acquired shunt formation in any dog. The size and velocity of the portal vasculature were improved in 5 of 6 dogs according to 8-week postoperative CTA and ultrasonography results, respectively. The remaining dog had a persistently decreased portal vasculature size but a normal velocity according to 8-week postoperative CTA and ultrasound results, respectively. CONCLUSION: The PAS-OD led to complete attenuation in 4 of 6 dogs and partial attenuation with mild residual flow of 2 EHPSS over an 8-week period in dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The PAS-OD is a new option for gradual occlusion of congenital EHPSS over 8 weeks.

CORRELATION OF ARTICULAR CARTILAGE THICKNESS MEASUREMENTS MADE WITH MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, MAGNETIC RESONANCE ARTHROGRAPHY, AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ARTHROGRAPHY WITH GROSS ARTICULAR CARTILAGE THICKNESS IN THE EQUINE METACARPOPHALANGEAL JOINT.

Osteoarthritis of the metacarpophalangeal joint is common cause of lameness in equine athletes, and is hallmarked by articular cartilage damage. An accurate, noninvasive method for measuring cartilage thickness would be beneficial to screen for cartilage injury and allow for prompt initiation of interventional therapy. The objective of this methods comparison study was to compare computed tomographic arthrography (CTA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) measurements of articular cartilage thickness with gross measurements in the metacarpophalangeal joint of Thoroughbred horses. Fourteen cadaveric, equine thoracic limbs were included. Limbs were excluded from the study if pathology of the metacarpophalangeal articular cartilage was observed with any imaging modality. Articular cartilage thickness was measured in nine regions of the third metacarpal bone and proximal phalanx on sagittal plane MRI sequences. After intra-articular contrast administration, the measurements were repeated on sagittal plane MRA and sagittal CTA reformations. In an effort to increase cartilage conspicuity, the volume of intra-articular contrast was increased from 14.5 ml, to maximal distention for the second set of seven limbs. Mean and standard deviation values were calculated, and linear regression analysis was used to determine correlations between gross and imaging measurements of cartilage thickness. This study failed to identify one imaging test that consistently yielded measurements correlating with gross cartilage thickness. Even with the use of intra-articular contrast, cartilage surfaces were difficult to differentiate in regions where the cartilage surfaces of the proximal phalanx and third metacarpal bone were in close contact with each other.

Initial influence of right versus left lateral recumbency on the radiographic finding of duodenal gas on subsequent survey ventrodorsal projections of the canine abdomen.

Identification of the duodenum and potential abnormalities on survey abdominal radiographs is often difficult unless it contains gas. This study investigated the effect of patient positioning on the presence of duodenal gas in survey abdominal radiographs. One hundred dogs receiving a three-view survey abdominal radiographic study were enrolled in a prospective, randomized study where all dogs were divided into two groups. Group A (n = 51) dogs had a left lateral projection first, followed by a ventrodorsal projection, ending with a right lateral projection. Group B (n = 49) dogs had a right lateral projection first, followed by a ventrodorsal projection, ending with a left lateral projection. The presence of gas within the duodenum and level of distribution of gas throughout the duodenum were recorded for all three projections. In addition, the presence or absence of duodenal pseudoulcers was evaluated on all three projections for each dog. The results for the two groups were compared using Chi-square analysis with a P-value of less than 0.05 being considered significant. Results showed that dogs first placed in left lateral recumbency were significantly more likely to have duodenal gas on the subsequent ventrodorsal and right lateral radiographic projections compared to dogs first placed in right lateral recumbency (P-value < 0.0001). Pseudoulcers were seen in 11 dogs that had duodenal gas making the visualization of pseudoulcers on survey abdominal radiographs somewhat commonplace. This study emphasizes the benefit of using initial left lateral abdominal projections prior to other views for subsequent evaluation of the duodenum.

Prevalence of computed tomographic subchondral bone lesions in the scapulohumeral joint of 32 immature dogs with thoracic limb lameness.

Osteochondrosis is a common developmental abnormality affecting the subchondral bone of immature, large breed dogs. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe CT lesions detected in scapulohumeral joints of 32 immature dogs undergoing CT for thoracic limb lameness. Eight dogs (14 scapulohumeral joints) had arthroscopy following imaging. Thirteen dogs (19 scapulohumeral joints) were found to have CT lesions, including 10 dogs (16 scapulohumeral joints) with subchondral bone lesions and 3 dogs with enthesopathy of the supraspinatus tendon. In one dog, subchondral bone lesions appeared as large oval defects within the mid-aspect of the glenoid cavities, bilaterally. These lesions resembled osseous cyst-like lesions commonly identified in the horse. This is the first report of such a presentation of a subchondral bone lesion in the glenoid cavity of a dog. In all dogs, small, focal, round or linear lucent defects were visible within the cortical bone at the junction of the greater tubercle and intertubercular groove. These structures were thought to represent vascular channels. Findings from this study support the use of CT as an adjunct modality for the identification and characterization of scapulohumeral subchondral bone lesions in immature dogs with thoracic limb lameness.

Ultrasound appearance of the outer medulla in dogs without renal dysfunction.

Ultrasound findings of the canine kidney include a hyperechoic cortex and a hypo to anechoic medulla. In this study, the sonographic appearance of the outer renal medulla in dogs without evidence of renal disease is described. Dogs that underwent abdominal ultrasound over a 6-month period were subjected to review and then divided into six groups based on body weight (kg): < 4.9, 5.0-9.9, 10-19.9, 20-29.9, 30-39.9, and ≥ 40. Chi-square analysis was used to determine if the frequency of a hyperechoic outer medulla was significantly different between weight groups, sex, and age (P-value < 0.05). Of the 145 dogs that met the inclusion criteria, 45 had a hyperechoic outer medulla relative to the cortex and inner medulla. In the remaining dogs, the outer medulla was isoechoic to the cortex. Dogs less than 5 kg had the highest frequency of a hyperechoic outer medulla (P < 0.0001) and dogs greater than 40 kg did not have a hyperechoic outer medulla (P < 0.0001). Sex had no influence on the presence or absence of the hyperechoic outer medulla; however, younger dogs were overrepresented (6.4 ± 0.6 years compared with 7.8 ± 0.4 years; P = 0.04). Ultrasound descriptions of the canine kidney have not taken into account the contributions of the renal cortex and outer medulla. Based on this study of dogs with no clinically significant renal disease, the outer medulla can be isoechoic or hyperechoic to the cortex and a hyperechoic outer medulla is more commonly seen in small breed dogs.

Radiographic characterization of presumed plate-like atelectasis in 75 nonanesthetized dogs and 15 cats.

Discrete discoid or linear areas of increased soft opacity have been observed within the pulmonary parenchyma in thoracic radiographs of dogs and cats. Similar radiographic findings have been described in humans and termed plate-like atelectasis. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe locations and characteristics of presumed plate-like atelectasis, presence of concurrent thoracic disease(s), and presence of persistent pulmonary changes on recheck thoracic radiographic studies in a cohort of dogs and cats. Hospital records between 2004 and 2011 were searched and a total of 90 cases were included (75 dogs and 15 cats, 2-17 years of age). Plate-like atelectasis was most commonly found in left lateral radiographs. Plate-like atelectasis was observed in the cranial thorax and was oriented in a dorsocranial to ventrocaudal direction in 68 (75%) patients. Plate-like atelectasis averaged 29.6 ± 14.4 mm in length and 2.6 ± 1.3 mm in width. In 57 of the 90 patients (63%), plate-like atelectasis was the only abnormality found. Plate-like atelectasis was present in 7 of 22 cases where follow-up radiographs were available. Findings from the current study indicated that, while the etiology of plate-like atelectasis remains unknown, anatomic variations in sublobar pulmonary anatomy might account for pleural areas of atelectasis. The authors propose that the presence of plate-like atelectasis may represent areas of atelectasis that track along sublobar lung lobe separations, an area of hypoventilation or decreased collateral ventilation, and/or area of decreased localized surfactant deficiency.

Radiographic quantification of the normal and near-normal coxofemoral conformation in Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a multifactorial disease affecting large breed dogs with associated joint laxity and incongruity that predisposes them to osteoarthritis. The purpose of the study is to objectively compare the conformation of normal and near-normal coxofemoral joints (CFJS) in Labrador Retrievers versus German Shepherds on the extended ventrodorsal radiograph. Investigated groups were categorized as normal and near-normal CFJS according to the morphometric criteria established by the FCI scoring system. Center-edge (CE) angle, Norberg angle (NA), indices of dorsal AFH coverage width and area, acetabular slope (AS) angle, and inclination angle were determined for each group. CE angle and AS angle were modified from previously described human techniques. The width and area of dorsal AFH coverage were standardized by the corresponding femoral head diameter and area. Variables were compared between groups using an unpaired, two-tailed t-test. A Spearman correlation coefficient determined the relationship between selected variables. RESULTS: In Labradors, CE angle (lateral coverage) and dorsal AFH coverage area index (dorsal coverage) were greater in normal versus near-normal CFJS. In German Shepherds, lateral AFH coverage (CE angle and NA) was greater in normal versus near-normal hip joints; whereas, dorsal AFH coverage did not differ between the two groups. Lateral AFH coverage was greater in normal versus near-normal CFJS of both breeds. In Labradors, the inclination angle was greater in near-normal versus normal CFJS. Normal CFJS of Labradors revealed greater lateral and dorsal AFH coverages compared to German Shepherds. Near-normal joints of Labradors showed greater lateral AFH coverage compared to those of German Shepherds; whereas, dorsal AFH coverage did not differ between the two breeds. A steeper acetabular slope angle was noted in normal and near-normal CFJS of German Shepherds compared to Labrador Retrievers. The inclination angle of near-normal joints was greater in Labrador Retrievers compared to German Shepherds. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, normal and near-normal CFJS of German Shepherds had lesser AFH coverage and steeper acetabular slope angle compared to Labrador Retrievers. Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds with CE-angles < 27° and < 21.8°, dorsal AFH coverage width indices < 51 and < 49%, and/or dorsal AFH coverage area indices < 53 and < 50%, respectively, may be consistent with CHD. Thus, the authors would recommend excluding subjects with lower values from breeding. Validating the reported measurements is still warranted.

Quantitative assessment of hip morphology to enhance the identification of hip dysplasia in German Shepherd Dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To develop quantitative measures that, when combined with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) score, would potentially enhance the accuracy of the scoring process. ANIMALS: 153 client-owned purebred German Shepherd Dogs with normal and near normal (71 dogs) and dysplastic coxofemoral joint (82 dogs). PROCEDURES: Center edge (CE) angle, Norberg angle (NA), indexes of dorsal acetabular femoral head (AFH) coverage width and area, acetabular index angle, and inclination angle were determined. We also investigated the correlation between selected variables. Coxofemoral joints were classified into normal, near normal, and mildly, moderately, and severely dysplastic joints based on the morphometric criteria previously established by the conventional FCI scoring. Variables were compared among the 5 groups using ANOVA. Linear relationships were determined using Spearman correlation coefficients. RESULTS: All radiographic measurements differed significantly (P < .0001) among the 5 assigned groups (normal, near normal, mildly dysplastic, moderately dysplastic, and severely dysplastic hip joints). NA was the only measure that differed significantly (P ≤ .03) between the 5 assigned groups. Positive correlations were identified between Norberg and CE angles (rs = 0.93), between width and area indexes of dorsal AFH coverage (rs = 0.92), and between the measurement techniques utilized to assess lateral versus dorsal AFH coverage (rs ≥ 0.65). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Evaluation of lateral and dorsal AFH coverage may help to refine the scoring system used to select German Shepherd Dogs for breeding. German Shepherd Dogs with NA < 103°, CE angle < 20.8°, dorsal AFH coverage width index ≤ 49%, and/or dorsal AFH coverage area index ≤ 51% should be considered to have mild, moderate, or severe hip dysplasia and are therefore not good candidates for breeding. Borderline values between near normal and mildly dysplastic joints should be reevaluated.

Pneumatic compression therapy using the EQ Press accelerates lymphatic flow in healthy equine forelimbs as determined by lymphoscintigraphy.

OBJECTIVE: Limb lymphedema in horses can be debilitating and painful. Pneumatic compression therapy has shown significant benefits for people suffering from lymphedema. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a novel, equine-specific pneumatic compression device on the lymphatic flow of healthy horse forelimbs as determined by Tc-99m sulfur colloid lymphoscintigraphy. ANIMALS: 6 healthy Thoroughbreds. PROCEDURES: In a randomized crossover design, horses underwent bilateral forelimb lymphoscintigraphy following subcutaneous injection of Tc-99m sulfur colloid at the coronary band as untreated control or with pneumatic compression therapy using the EQ Press. Lateral, static images were obtained of the distal limb (time 0 to 60 minutes) and proximal limb (time 30 to 60 minutes) using a standard gamma camera. Lymphatic flow was determined by assigning a score to the time point at which Tc-99m sulfur colloid was first visualized at the level of the accessory carpal bone (1 to 7) in the distal limb and the cubital lymph node (1 to 4) in the proximal limb. RESULTS: EQ Press treatment led to a significantly faster lymphatic flow of Tc-99m sulfur colloid to the predetermined anatomic locations of the accessory carpal bone (P = .002) in the distal limb and the cubital lymph node (P = .001) in the proximal limb. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pneumatic compression therapy as provided by an equine-specific device encouraged lymphatic flow in healthy, nonedematous equine forelimbs. These data support further study of the EQ Press for pneumatic compression therapy in horses clinically affected by lymphedema and lymphatic drainage disorders.

Modified FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) Scoring of the Coxofemoral Joint in Labrador Retrievers Without and With Hip Dysplasia.

The objective is to propose a modified FCI scoring protocol of the canine hip joint via: (1) providing morphometric criteria of each score; (2) quantifying the extent of lateral and dorsal acetabular femoral head (AFH) coverage; (3) evaluating the steepness of cranial acetabular edge (acetabular index angle) and inclination angle (IA) in normal and dysplastic coxofemoral joints of Labrador Retrievers. The long-term goal is to achieve a selective breeding protocol using parental phenotypically healthy coxofemoral joints based on the standard extended-leg VD radiograph to help reduce the prevalence of CHD among offspring. Investigated populations were classified into normal (grade A) and dysplastic coxofemoral joints (grades B to E) based on the morphometric criteria previously established by the conventional FCI scoring system. Center-edge (CE) angle, Norberg angle (NA), indices of dorsal AFH coverage width and area, acetabular index angle, and inclination angle were determined for each group. Variables were compared between groups using ANOVA. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to determine the linear relationship between selected variables. Overall, all radiographic measurements differed significantly (P < 0.0001) among the five tested groups using ANOVA test. Dorsal AFH coverage area index was the only measure that differed significantly (P ≤ 0.007) between every two consecutive groups using Tukey's test. Significant correlations were identified between the Norberg and CE angles (r s = 0.95, P < 0.0001), the width and area of dorsal AFH coverage (r s = 0.96, P < 0.0001), and the radiographic techniques utilized to assess lateral vs. dorsal AFH coverage (r s ≥ 0.80, P < 0.0001). Evaluation of CE-angle, dorsal AFH coverage area index and acetabular index angle is recommended during selective breeding to include parents with radiographically healthy joints and reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia among offspring. Dogs with CE-angle <27°, dorsal AFH coverage area index <53%, and/or acetabular index angle >9° may be consistent with hip dysplasia and are recommended to be excluded from potential breeding groups. Re-evaluation of coxofemoral joints with borderline values located between near-normal and mildly dysplastic coxofemoral joints is strongly recommended to be performed after 6 months.