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Abstract Background Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is very resistant and highly contagious and infects domestic cats and other felids. FPV is particularly widespread among sheltered cats, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality, causing severe gastroenteritis characterized by anorexia, lethargy, fever, dehydration, hemorrhagic diarrhea, and vomiting. There is currently no data on the ultrasonographic features of cats affected with FPV. This case series describes abdominal ultrasonographic findings in shelter cats with naturally-occurring FPV, and assesses whether are associated with clinical and laboratory findings. Cats affected by FPV were enrolled in the study if an abdominal ultrasound was performed within 12 hours of diagnosis. Clinical, laboratory and survival data were collected from medical records. Ultrasonographic examinations were reviewed for gastrointestinal abnormalities and their associations with the above data were explored. Results Twenty-one cats were included. Nine cats (42.9%) died and 12 (57.1%) recovered. Based on ultrasonography, the duodenum and jejunum showed thinning of the mucosal layer in 70.6% and 66.6% of cats, thickening of the muscular layer in 52.9% and 57.1% of cats, and hyperechogenicity of the mucosa in 41.2% and 33.3%. Jejunal hyperechoic mucosal band paralleling the submucosa and irregular luminal surface were both observed in 33.3% of the cats. Survival was positively associated with increased jejunal mucosal echogenicity (P = 0.003) and hyperechoic mucosal band (P = 0.003). Peritoneal free fluid was positively associated with vomiting (P = 0.002). Conclusions This study provides ultrasonographic features of naturally-occurring FPV in cats, which, as expected, are compatible with gastroenteropathy. The most frequent findings were diffuse small intestine mucosal layer thinning, muscular layer thickening and mucosal hyperechogenicity, jejunal hyperechoic mucosal band and irregular luminal surface. Ultrasonographic features may be useful to complete the clinical picture and assess the severity of the gastroenteropathy in FPV cats. Prospective studies are needed to confirm ultrasonographic prognostic factors.

Introduction: The primary objective of this retrospective study was to document the normal variation of clinical mobility of the mandibular symphysis in cats and possible associations with bodyweight, age, sex, sexual status, breed and skull morphology. Secondarily, the radiographic appearance of the mandibular symphysis and possible associations with the analyzed data were evaluated. Materials and methods: Two hundred and sixteen cats of 15 different breeds that underwent maxillofacial, oral and dental procedures from April 2015 to December 2021 were included. Clinical mobility was evaluated under general anesthesia using a 0 to 3 scale in lateromedial (LM) and dorsoventral (DV) directions. The symphysis was radiographically classified on the occlusal radiographic view of the rostral mandibles as fused or open, and with parallel or divergent margins. Results: Bodyweight ranged from 2.2 to 12.5 kg (median 4.0 kg), age from 4 months to 17 years and 4 months (median 6 years and 4 months). At the first evaluation DV symphyseal mobility was 0 in 177 cases (82%), 1 in 32 cases (14.8%) and 2 in 7 cases (3.2%), LM mobility was 0 in 61 cases (28.3%), 1 in 110 cases (50.9%) and 2 in 45 cases (20.8%). 81.1% of the radiographs were included in the statistical analysis. Three symphyses (1.6%) were classified as fused and 190 (98.4%) as open, 129 (68.8%) having divergent margins and 61 (31.6%) parallel. One hundred and forty-eight cases (76.7%) did not show the presence of odontoclastic replacement resorption on the canine teeth (TR subgroup 1), 23 (11.9%) showed stage =3 lesions (TR subgroup 2) and 22 (11.4%) stage 4 lesions (TR subgroup 3). Logistic regression models exploring factors that affected DV and LM mobility were statistically significant (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001) with an increase in LM mobility predicting an increase in DV mobility, and vice versa. An increase in DV mobility was associated with an increase in age and in having resorptive lesions. A decrease in LM symphyseal mobility was associated with being brachycephalic. Conclusion: The great majority of cases showed some degree of LM symphyseal mobility, and 18% showed DV mobility. Symphyseal bony fusion is rare but possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of 5 cm H2O of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on laryngeal size in spontaneously breathing anesthetized dogs via computed tomography (CT). Design: Prospective, randomized, cross‐over clinical study. Setting: University teaching hospital and referral private practice. Animals: Eight healthy client‐owned dogs undergoing CT. Interventions: Dogs were sedated with acepromazine 20 μg/kg IM and induced with fentanyl 2 μg/kg and propofol 3–5 mg/kg IV before being maintained on fentanyl (5 μg/kg/h) and propofol (0.3 mg/kg/min) constant rate infusion. Dogs received an air/oxygen mixture with (CPAP) and without (NO‐CPAP) 5 cm H2O of CPAP in a random order. Each study step lasted 15 minutes. Measurements and Main Results: Ten minutes after the beginning of each study period, a CT scan of the laryngeal region was obtained at end‐expiration. CT images were analyzed to determine the laryngeal cross‐sectional area (CSA; cm2), total volume (VTOT; cm3), and laterolateral and dorsoventral diameters (DLL and DDV, respectively; cm). Differences between the 2 treatments were analyzed with t‐test for paired data (P < 0.05). Compared to the NO‐CPAP, during CPAP the CSA increased by 53.3 ± 23.1% (ie, from 3.3 ± 0.8 to 5.1 ± 1.3 cm2, P = 0.0004), VTOT increased by 52.4 ± 13.6% (from 6.2 ± 1.7 to 9.4 ± 2.4 cm3, P < 0.0001), and DLL and DDV were 55.5 ± 13.3% (3.6 ± 0.8 vs 2.4 ± 0.5 cm, P = 0.006) and 20.3 ± 8.8% larger (3.2 ± 0.7 vs 2.7 ± 0.6 cm, P = 0.0002), respectively. Conclusions: Laryngeal volume and cross sectional area increased during the application of 5 cm H2O of helmet CPAP in spontaneously breathing anesthetized dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the study was to provide a detailed anatomical study of the feline bronchial and vascular structures by using CT angiography (CTA). Methods: Adult cats with no respiratory clinical signs were enrolled in a CTA protocol to provide an anatomical study of the thorax. The dimensions, number of branches and branching pattern (monopodial vs dichotomic) of both bronchial and pulmonary vascular structures were evaluated under positive inspiration apnoea. A linear generalised estimating equations analysis (Spearman's rho) was used to identify statistical correlation between tracheal diameter, age and body weight of the cats. Results: Fourteen cats met the inclusion criteria. The pulmonary arteries had larger diameters than the pulmonary veins, and the pulmonary veins had larger diameters than the bronchial structures. A higher number of segmental bronchial and pulmonary vascular branches was observed in the left caudal lung lobe than in the other lobes. The monopodial branching pattern of both bronchial and pulmonary vascular structures was predominant in all cats of our study (100%) in cranial, caudal and right middle lung lobes, while a dichotomic branching pattern of the bronchial and pulmonary vascular structures of the accessory lung lobe was seen in 13 cats (93%). Thirteen cats (93%) had three pulmonary vein ostia, and one cat (7%) also presented with an additional left intermediate pulmonary vein ostium. Variation in the number of segmental pulmonary vein branches was noted in the right caudal lung lobe. There was no statistical correlation between tracheal diameter, age and weight. Conclusions and relevance: Architecture of the feline bronchovascularr structures belongs to a mixed type of monopodial and dichotomic branching pattern. In cats, the pulmonary venous drainage system predominately presents three pulmonary vein ostia. Variations in the type of formation and the number of branches of the pulmonary venous drainage system were noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors describe a case of presumptive feline subcutaneous fat sclerosis, a condition reported only once previously (in 1987) and diagnosed with postmortem examination. We describe radiographic, computed tomography scan and histopathological findings, and partial response to oral methylprednisolone and Vitamin E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2‐year‐old American Pit Bull dog was presented for surgical evaluation of imperforate cor triatriatum dexter (CTD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO). Echocardiography identified an imperforate CTD associated with a right‐to‐left shunting PFO and valvular pulmonary stenosis. A 2‐step interventional and surgical approach was used. Initially, a pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty was performed, and subsequently the dog underwent a surgical correction of the atrial anomaly under cardiopulmonary bypass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiphasic multidetector computed tomographic angiography is a standard diagnostic test for canine abdominal vascular disorders. Three imaging protocols have been previously described. The test‐bolus protocol allows precise timing but can be time consuming to perform. Bolus‐tracking software is fast and easy to use but can be problematic for exact timing of vascular phases. A recently described fixed‐injection‐duration protocol is not influenced by body weight and provides a wider temporal window for arterial acquisitions. Objectives of this retrospective and prospective, multicentric, method comparison study were to determine which of the three multidetector computed tomographic angiography protocols allows best vascular conspicuity of the canine abdomen and to assess the influence of different multidetector computed tomography (CT) scanners on study quality. Triple‐phase multidetector computed tomographic angiography canine abdominal studies from 30 dogs were retrospectively retrieved from three different institutions. Each institution performed one of the three computed tomographic angiography protocols (4‐row and 16‐row multidetector CT). Prospectively, the three protocols were also acquired with similar conditions on a 64‐row MDCT in 21 dogs. Main abdominal vessels were scored by blinded readers for each phase. The fixed‐injection‐duration protocol had the best combined arterial and portal vascular conspicuity on scanners of limited speed, while the test‐bolus protocol provided the best overall vascular conspicuity on 64‐row multidetector CT scanner. The quality of arterial studies performed on 64‐row MDCT scanner was improved compared to the ones performed on four‐ to 16‐row multidetector CT scanners. Findings supported the fixed‐injection‐duration protocol as the best compromise between an ideal portal vascular enhancement and an easily reproducible protocol on scanners with low and high number of detector rows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complications of cystocentesis in dogs and cats are seldom reported. The aim of this study was to describe clinical and ultrasonographic features of complications after diagnostic cystocentesis. Medical records of animals that underwent ultrasound-guided diagnostic cystocentesis (UGDC) were retrospectively reviewed to describe adverse events. The inclusion criteria were: ultrasound report describing the complication, signalment, clinical history, urine culture, and surgical exploration or necroscopic findings if present. Images of ultrasonographic examination were reviewed. Complications were classified as minor and major. Minor complications were defined as self-limited events; major complications were those that led to prolonged hospitalization and required intensive therapy or surgery, or lead to death. Twenty-one cases met the inclusion criteria (20 animals). Major complications included septic peritonitis (n = 2), big vessel laceration (n = 2), and acute abdomen (n = 1). Death occurred in two cases (septic peritonitis). Minor complications included nodular fat necrosis (n = 1), abdominal wall abscess formation (n = 1), intraluminal blood clots (n = 2), self-limited bleeding (n = 5), wall bladder hematoma (n = 3), bladder mucosal detachment (n = 1), intraparietal gas bubbles (n = 2), and focal peritonitis adjacent to bladder (n = 1). Findings of this study can be useful to promptly identify complications after UGDC and to ensure a proper treatment and follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research / Revue Canadienne de Recherche Vétérinaire is the property of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives The aims of the study were to describe the radiographic and computed tomographic features in cats naturally infected with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, and to identify signs of pulmonary hypertension with echocardiography. Methods Fourteen cats positive on Baermann test for A abstrusus were included in the study. All cats underwent thoracic radiography, CT and echocardiography. Results The most common clinical signs were coughing (10/14) and dyspnoea (5/14). Radiographic findings included a generalised unstructured interstitial pulmonary pattern (8/14), mixed bronchointerstitioalveolar pattern (3/14) and bronchointerstitial pattern with bronchial wall thickening (3/14). Sternal lymphadenopathy was detected on thoracic radiographs in six cats. On CT, features were mixed bronchointerstitioalveolar pattern with ground-glass appearance in six cats, interstitioalveolar with multiple pulmonary nodules in five, interstitial ground-glass infiltrates in three, regional lymph node enlargement in 11 (10 sternal, three cranial mediastinal and three tracheobronchial lymph nodes) and subpleural thickening in four. None of the thoracic radiographs revealed subpleural thickening. In all cases, pulmonary vessels were normal in terms of size, shape and attenuation on both radiography and CT. Pulmonary hypertension and cardiac abnormalities were not observed in any cat during echocardiography. Conclusions and relevance CT provided a more thorough characterisation of pulmonary and mediastinal lesions compared with thoracic radiographs in cats naturally infected with A abstrusus. Although feline aelurostrongylosis has been previously associated with histopathological lesions in lung arteries, in this cohort clinical evidence of pulmonary hypertension was not documented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Veterinary Journal / Revue Vétérinaire Canadienne is the property of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This randomized controlled trial study aimed to identify the optimal positive pressure (PP) level that can clear atelectasis while avoiding pulmonary hyperinflation during the breath-hold technique in dogs undergoing thoracic computed tomography (CT). Sixty dogs affected by mammary tumors undergoing thoracic CT for the screening of pulmonary metastases were randomly assigned to six groups with different levels of PP during the breath-hold technique: 0 (control), 5 (PP5), 8 (PP8), 10 (PP10), 12 (PP12), and 15 (PP15) cmH2O. The percentage of atelectatic lung region was lower in the PP10 (3.7 ± 1.1%; P = 0.002), PP12 (3.4 ± 1.3%; P = 0.0001), and PP15 (2.8 ± 0.9%; P = 0.006) groups than in the control group (5.0 ± 2.3%), and the percentage of poorly aerated lung region was lower in the PP8 (15.1 ± 2.6%; P = 0.0009), PP10 (13.0 ± 2.0 %; P = 0.002), PP12 (13.0 ± 2.2 %; P = 0.0002), and PP15 (11.1 ± 1.9%; P = 0.0002) groups than in the control group (19.8 ± 5.0). The percentage of normally aerated lung region, however, was higher in the PP10 (79.7 ± 4.1%; P = 0.005), PP12 (79.8 ± 5.1%; P = 0.0002), and PP15 (80.2 ± 4.9%; P = 0.002) groups than in the control group (73.4 ± 6.6%). A PP of 10-12 cmH2O during the breath-hold technique should be considered to improve lung aeration during a breath-hold technique in dogs undergoing thoracic CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The parasitic nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum causes severe clinical signs in dogs. The disease is often challenging because infected animals are often presented with clinical signs overlapping those of other diseases. Methods: The present article describes six angiostrongylosis cases (Cases 1-6) that represent key examples of how canine angiostrongylosis may be extremely confounding. The six animals presented clinical signs compatible with canine angiostrongylosis but they were subjected to clinical examinations for other diseases (e.g. dirofilariosis or immune-mediated disorders) before achieving a correct diagnosis. Results: In Case 1 clinical, radiographic and ultrasound examinations' results resembled a lung neoplasia. Case 2 was a dog with a mixed infection caused by A. vasorum and Dirofilaria immitis. Case 3 was a critically ill dog presented in emergency for an acute onset of dyspnoea caused by lungworm infection. The dog died a few hours after presentation despite support and etiologic therapy. Case 4 was a dog presented for chronic hemorrhages and ecchymoses caused by thrombocytopenia of unknown origin, thought to have an inherited, immune-mediated or infective cause. Case 5 was referred for neurological signs due to a suspected discospondylitis. Case 6 was erroneously diagnosed infected only with D. immitis although the dog was infected only with A. vasorum. A timely administration of an anthelmintic (mostly moxidectin) showed to be effective in treating the infection in those dogs (i.e. Cases 1,2, 4 and 5) that did not suffer with severe lung haemorrhages yet. Conclusions: Dogs 1-5 were referred in two regions of Italy that are considered non-endemic for A. vasorum. These findings indicate that veterinarians should include angiostrongylosis in the differential diagnosis of cardio-respiratory distress also in non-endemic regions and should perform appropriate diagnostics in the presence of compatible signs even if the clinical picture is atypical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 12-year-old, mixed-breed domestic cat was diagnosed with a multicystic hepatic mass via ultrasonographic examination and computer tomography scan. The tumor associated with the left medial liver lobe, and connected by a thin stalk to the hilar region, was surgically removed. The mass was firm, encapsulated, mottled white to red black, multinodular, and cystic. Histologic diagnosis was carcinosarcoma supported by positive immunohistochemistry for cytokeratins and vimentin of atypical neoplastic cell populations. On the basis of morphology, the origin was considered to be in the biliary tract. Biliary carcinosarcoma is a rare neoplasm that occurs in people. The epidemiology and risk factors have not yet been determined, and the prognosis is poor except for cases in which curative resection is performed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a case study of a 10-year-old female dog who was suffering with acute vomiting and abdominal pain. The physical examination of the dog revealed right cranial abdominal pain and abdominal ultrasound examination and computed tomography (CT) confirmed the presence of right ureteral stone. The article informs that spontaneous rupture of the right ureter was confirmed with CT post ultrasound-guided percutaneous antegrade pyelography and ureter stone was confirmed at surgery.

Objective--To assess whether the Pfirrmann system for grading lumbar intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration in humans can also be used in dogs. Animals--202 dogs. Procedures--Magnetic resonance imaging was used to obtain images of vertebral segments from dogs, which were reviewed separately by 3 observers who graded the extent of degeneration in each visible IVD by use of the Pfirrmann classification system used for grading lumbar IVD degeneration in humans. Grading was validated against 2 factors associated with the extent of disk degeneration: type of dog (chondrodystrophic or nonchondrodystrophic breeds) and age. Results--Interobserver and intraobserver agreement for Pfirrmann grading of IVD degeneration were good (κ scores, 0.81 to 0.93). An increase in the extent of disk degeneration was positively correlated with increases in age and with chondrodystrophic breed. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--The Pfirrmann system was reliably used to grade IVD degeneration in dogs of various breeds and ages. An increase in the extent of IVD degeneration was positively correlated with increases in age and with chondrodystrophic-type dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a comparison of the pituitary gland results using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). The study aims to pinpoint possible differences between results of the two different methods. Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy were also conducted on dogs with PDH. Moreover, notable differences were found between postcontrast CT and MR images for the pituitary area, brain area and sphenoid bone thickness.

Using the machine's native software, twelve nodules obtained a value <1, displaying greater softness than the surrounding healthy tissue; surprisingly, five of these nodules were malignant. The ROI (yellow circles) of healthy adjacent tissue (E1) is compared within the nodule (E2) resulting in an SR of 0.8. gl GLO:F10/01jun21:vde12954-fig-0006.jpg PHOTO (COLOR): 6 Benign nodules in dogs.(a) Case of lipoma. The ROI (yellow circles) of healthy adjacent tissue (E1) is compared within the nodule (E2) resulting in an SR of 1.6. gl GLO:F10/01jun21:vde12954-fig-0007.jpg PHOTO (COLOR): 7 Malignant nodules in dogs.(a) Case of soft tissue sarcoma. B Background b - Strain elastography (SE) is a modern imaging technology that provides an additional way of evaluating the changes in soft tissue elasticity caused by pathophysiological processes. [Extracted from the article]

Objective--To study radiographic and genetic aspects of hereditary radial head subluxation in Bouviers des Flandres. Animals--26 related Bouviers des Flandres affected with bilateral subluxation of the radial head, 10 unaffected related dogs, and 29 unrelated Bouviers des Flandres with diagnoses of nonskeletal diseases. Procedures--All dogs were radiographically studied, and their DNA was analyzed with a genome-wide screen of 1,536 single nucleotide polymorphisms. In addition, karyotyping was performed in an unaffected dam and its affected offspring. Results--Both forelimbs of affected dogs were disproportionately short with caudolateral subluxation or luxation of the radial head. Angulation of the radial axis at the mid-diaphysis ranged from 9.3° to 30.3° (mean ± SD, 14.9 ± 6.1°), with an estimated age of onset from 0 to 4 months. Poorly defined medial coronoid processes and osteoarthritis of the elbow joint, cranial bowing of the olecranon, and disturbed growth in length of the ulna with sharply demarcated spurs were noticed on radiographs of affected dogs. Genealogical analysis indicated that most affected dogs were closely related, but the mode of inheritance was not clear. The DNA analysis found that 205 single nucleotide polymorphisms were monomorphic in the affected dogs. Conventional chromosome staining revealed no numerical chromosomal aberration. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Congenital radial head luxation and subluxation in the studied Bouviers des Flandres were characterized by angulation of the radial axis leading to caudolateral subluxation of the radial head and insufficient growth of the distal portion of the ulna together with cranial bowing of the olecranon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To determine survival estimates and outcome predictors for shelter cats with feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) infection. DESIGN Retrospective cohort scudy. ANIMALS 177 shelter cats with FPV infection. PROCEDURES Medical records of cats treated for FPV infection from 2011 through 2013 were reviewed to collect information pertaining to signalment; history; results of physical examination, CBC, serum biochemical analysis, and blood gas analysis; and treatments (antimicrobials, antiparasitics, antivirals, antiemetics, analgesics, crystalloid or colloid solutions, and blood products). Survival time and outcome predictors were determined by means of Kaplan-Meier estimation, logistic regression, and mixed-model ANOVA. RESULTS Median survival time after hospital admission was 3 days; 20.3% (36/177) of cats survived to discharge from the hospital. Risk of nonsurvival was greater in cats with (vs without) signs of lethargy, rectal temperature < 37.9X (I00.2°F). or low body weight at hospital admission. Lower (vs higher) leukocyte count on days 3, 4, and 7 of hospitalization, but not at admission, was associated with nonsurvival. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, antiparasitics, and maropitant but not interferon-oi were associated with survival, whereas glucose infusion was associated with nonsurvival. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Rulu jiivy. Lit'j'J vh.ii FPV infct-liuii curnvd .i puui prugnuiifc fur nlmltHr cats. Several variables measured ac admission or during hospitalization were associated with outcome. Remarkably and contrary to the ealsc ing lliternrur*, Imiknppm.i sr .irimlKlon hsrt no association with outcome, pmxibly owing to narly pmvunnon nf ramphr.iTinn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To evaluate the reliability of the Thompson system for use in grading the gross pathological changes of intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration in dogs and to investigate the agreement between gross pathological findings and low-field (0.2-T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Sample--Vertebral columns from cadavers of 19 dogs of various ages, breeds, and origins. Procedures--182 intervertebral segments were collected from 19 canine cadavers. SagittalT2-weighted MRI of theT11 through $1 portion of the vertebral column was performed within 24 hours after the dogs were euthanized. The vertebral columns were subsequently divided in the midsagittal plane, and high-resolution photographs were obtained of each intervertebral segment (end plate-disk-end plate). The MRI images and photographs were graded separately in a blinded manner by 4 observers who used both Pfirrmann and Thompson grading criteria. Results--The interobserver agreement for Thompson scores ranged from 0.76 to 0.88, and the intraobserver agreement ranged from 0.88 to 0.94 (Cohen weighted κ analysis). Agreement between scores for the Pfirrmann and Thompson grading criteria was κ = 0.70. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Grading of IVD degeneration in dogs by use of the Thompson system resulted in high interobserver and intraobserver agreement, and scores for the Thompson system had substantial agreement with low-field MRI findings graded by use of the Pfirrmann system. This suggested that low-field MRI can be used to diagnose IVD degeneration in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are no published reports describing the anatomic variations of the phrenicoabdominal (PhAbd) veins in cats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomic variations of the PhAbd veins in cats without adrenal disease. This is an anatomic study. Abdominal CT images of cats acquired from January 2021 to February 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were the presence of pre- and postcontrast CT images of the abdomen and the absence of any abdominal diseases that compromise the left and right PhAbd veins visualization. A total of 128 cats were included. Three different vascular anatomic variations were found in the distal pericaval segment of the left phrenicoabdominal (LPhAbd) vein. In the first type, found in 65 cases (50.8%), the LPhAbd vein drained directly into the caudal vena cava. In the second type defined IIa, found in 25 cases (19.5%), the LPhAbd vein drained into the distal third of the left renal vein, less than 5 mm from its opening into the caudal vena cava. In the third type defined IIb, found in 38 cases (29.7%), the LPhAbd vein drained into the distal third of the left renal vein, more than 5 mm from its opening into the caudal vena cava. The right phrenicoabdominal vein had a consistent path and drained into the caudal vena cava in all cases. The knowledge of these vascular variations is expected to help the surgeon during adrenalectomy due to masses with vascular invasion in cats., (© 2024 American College of Veterinary Radiology.)

In veterinary medicine, the radiographic assessment of right heart enlargement (RHE) is essentially subjective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vertebral right heart index (VRHi) as a new quantitative radiographic method to detect RHE in dogs. This was a multicenter, retrospective, observational study, including dogs with RHE and control dogs. All dogs had to have a thoracic radiographic study and a complete echocardiography on the same day. Right heart enlargement was defined as the presence of right atrial enlargement, right ventricular enlargement, and/or hypertrophy based on echocardiography. For the radiographic study, all the radiographic views available for each case were considered for measurement: right lateral (RL), left lateral (LL), ventrodorsal (VD), and dorsoventral (DV). The VRHi was measured using LL, RL, VD, and DV views. A total of 204 dogs were included: 91 dogs with RHE and 113 control dogs. The VRHi (RL), the VRHi (LL), and the VRHi (VD) were significantly greater in dogs with RHE compared with controls (P < .0001). The best diagnostic accuracy was observed for VRHi (LL) (area under the curve [AUC] 0.86, P < .0001; cutoff ≥ 3.5 vertebrae, sensitivity [Se] 71%, specificity [Sp] 89%), followed by VRHi (RL) (AUC 0.85, P < .0001; cutoff ≥ 3.5 vertebrae, Se 68%, Sp 86%) and VRHi (VD) (AUC 0.80, P = .0004; cutoff ≥ 3.0 vertebrae, Se 57%, Sp 95%). In conclusion, the lateral VRHi in LL and RL and the VD VRHi could represent useful radiological tools for the detection of RHE in dogs., (© 2024 American College of Veterinary Radiology.)

Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is a gradient echo (GE) MRI sequence. Intravenous administration of gadolinium (Gd) may affect GE images, but its effect on SWI has not been investigated in veterinary medicine. This cross-sectional prospective study evaluated the effects of Gd on SWI. Seventy-one dogs that underwent brain MRI were included and distributed in two groups. Susceptibility-weighted imaging was performed pre- and postcontrast, obtained immediately after Gd administration (Group A: n = 35) or delayed (Group B: n = 36; median delay 19.9 min). Pre- and post-Gd SWI were analyzed for signal intensity changes in the lentiform nuclei of gray matter (GM), in the centrum semiovale of white matter (WM), and in brain lesions. No difference in GM signal intensity was identified in either group between pre- and postcontrast images (Group A, P = .395; Group B, P = .895). In group A, WM signal intensity was lower in pre- than post-Gd sequences (P = .019). Brain lesions were identified in 30/71 (41%) cases; the signal intensity of intracranial lesions was significantly lower in pre- than post-Gd images in both groups (P < .001); the number of lesions influenced the difference in signal intensity in group B (P = .043). Susceptibility artifacts did not change in appearance between pre- and postcontrast images in either the normal brain or in parenchymal lesions. In conclusion, Gd may modify the signal intensity of WM and brain lesions but does not affect the susceptibility artifacts and does not interfere with SWI interpretation., (© 2024 American College of Veterinary Radiology.)

Introduction: The primary objective of this retrospective study was to document the normal variation of clinical mobility of the mandibular symphysis in dogs, and evaluate possible associations with breed, bodyweight, age, sex, and skull morphology. Secondarily, the radiographic appearance of the mandibular symphysis and possible associations with the analyzed data were also evaluated., Methods: Medical records of dogs that underwent anesthetic procedures for maxillofacial, oral and dental evaluation from April 2015 to December 2021 were included., Results: 567 dogs of 95 different breeds were included, with a total of 695 evaluations. Body weight ranged from 0.8 kg to 79 kg (median 14.4 kg) and age from 3 months to 16 years and 4 months (median 6 years and 9 months). Clinical mobility was evaluated under general anesthesia using a 0 to 3 scale, in lateromedial (LM) and dorsoventral (DV) directions. The symphysis was radiographically classified as being fused or open. The open symphyses were further radiographically divided in having parallel or divergent margins. At the time of the first evaluation DV mobility was 0 in 551 cases (97.2%) and 1 in 16 cases (2.8%). LM mobility was 0 in 401 cases (70.7%), 1 in 148 cases (26.1%) and 2 in 18 cases (3.2%). There was not a significant change in mobility over time for cases examined more than once ( P = 0.76). All cases had an intraoral radiographic examination. 83.8% of the radiographs were included in the statistical analysis. Two symphyses (0.4%) were classified as fused and 473 (99.6%) as open, 355 (74.7%) having divergent margins and 118 (24.8%) parallel margins. Logistic regression models exploring factors that affected DV and LM mobility were statistically significant ( P < 0.0001; P < 0.0001), with an increase in LM mobility predicting an increase in DV mobility, and vice versa. An increase in age and in bodyweight was associated with a decrease in mobility. There was no statistical difference in clinical mobility across specific breeds or sexes. Increased probability of a divergent symphysis and increased DV mobility was found to be associated with a brachycephalic conformation. The increase in LM mobility was comparatively higher in small brachycephalic breeds compared with larger brachycephalic breed., Discussion: The majority of the cases showed little to no mobility of the mandibular symphysis and radiographically bony fusion can be rarely seen., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The handling editor FV declared a shared affiliation with the author MK at the time of review. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (Copyright © 2023 Minei, Auriemma, Bonacini, Kent and Gracis.)

Intestinal suture dehiscence is one of the most feared complications following gastrointestinal surgery in both human and veterinary medicine, increasing the morbidity and mortality of these patients. Clinical and laboratory early signs of septic peritonitis are not always easily identifiable while prompt treatment should help decrease postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to describe the ultrasonographic (US) features of confirmed leakage of intestinal sutures (LIS) and to evaluate if this imaging technique can be useful as noninvasive tool for the early diagnosis of LIS. Seven dogs developed LIS in a range of three-four days after gastrointestinal surgery and four of these developed a second dehiscence. On B-mode ultrasonography, all intestinal surgical sites were identified and characterized by a bowel focal thickening with reduced or absent wall layering and the presence of hyperechoic, double-walled foci at regular intervals (suture material). Furthermore, hyperechoic linear interfaces associated with dirty acoustic shadowing and comet-tail artifacts crossing the intestinal wall to free-float in peritoneal cavity or in a saccate collection have been documented. On the basis of these preliminary results, canine abdominal ultrasound seems to be a useful diagnostic technique for post-operative monitoring of patients undergoing intestinal surgery, allowing early detection of signs of a LIS, before the patient develops clinical signs of septic peritonitis., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Costanzo, Linta, Auriemma, Perfetti, Del Magno and Diana.)

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.

A 10-year-old spayed female dalmatian dog developed acute vomiting and abdominal pain. Ultrasound examination of the abdomen showed right hydronephrosis and proximal ureter dilation with mild retroperitoneal free fluid. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen confirmed the ultrasonographic findings and revealed, additionally, a right ureteral stone. Spontaneus rupture of the right ureter was confirmed with CT post ultrasound-guided percutaneous antegrade pyelography. Pyeloureteral rupture and the presence of a ureteral stone were confirmed at surgery.