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Simple Summary: In this retrospective study, three dogs and three cats were selected from the database of the Chonnam National University Teaching Hospital from February 2017 to June 2019. The inclusion criteria for the selection of patients were as follows: (1) clinical data including age, sex, breed, clinical signs, histology, fine-needle aspiration, or fluid centesis were available and (2) intraluminal CEUS was performed; CEUS findings helped confirm the diagnosis. Each patient underwent physical examination, blood tests, radiography, and conventional ultrasonography. Intraluminal CEUS was performed using contrast agents, including SonoVue, agitated saline, saline, or a combination for GI hydrosonography in two patients and sono-cystourethrography in four patients. GI hydrosonography could assess the anatomic relationship between the mass and gastric lumen after administration of a mixture of 0.1 mL SonoVue and 30 mL/kg water in case 1 and could dilate the colonic lumen to detect the thickened wall using saline infusion in case 2. Upon sono-cystourethrography, communication between the urinary tract and prostatic cyst was clearly visualized in case 3, and narrowing of the urethral lumen secondary to prostatomegaly could be ruled out in case 4 with pyogranulomatous prostitis using agitated saline. The saline or agitated saline is appropriate for filling the lumen and improving the acoustic window for GI hydrosonography. Intraluminal CEUS examinations helped to assess the patency of the lumen, evaluate the extent of luminal dilation, rule out luminal narrowing, determine the presence of a mass within the lumen, and identify rupture sites. Administering intraluminal fluid can improve the acoustic window for the visualization of the lumen and wall layers in the cavitary organs. Microbubbles in ultrasound contrast agents can also be used for intracavitary applications to enhance visualization of the lesion in human patients. However, there was no literature extending the clinical application of intraluminal contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) to patients with naturally occurring diseases in veterinary medicine. This case series aims to describe the detailed application and diagnostic value of intraluminal CEUS in six clinical cases with naturally occurring gastrointestinal (GI) and urinary tract diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of guava cream as replacement for topical antibiotic for wound healing. Twelve cats were divided into four groups and subjected to different concentrations of guava cream: 0% (antibiotic wound cream group), 1%, 3% and 5% having 3 animals per group. A dorsal midline incision (at the level of T6 to T7, with a length of 2.5 centimeters in full thickness) was made and was left open for second intention healing. A thin layer of cream was applied over the wound every other day starting day 0 until day 20 and an incisional biopsy was done at day 0, 7, and 14. Wound contraction and gross appearance was graded. There was no significant difference (P<0.05) on the effect of wound healing of the different percentages of guava cream compared to the wound cream however, the results of the 3% and 5% guava cream had a faster wound contraction. All treatments of guava cream produced comparable results with the antibiotic wound cream therefore, this study concludes that guava cream can be used as an alternative antiseptic and antibacterial treatment for wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to determine the M-mode echocardiographic measurements in pregnant and non-pregnant dairy cattle and identify possible relationships between the echocardiographic measurements and pregnancy status. Ninety-one (91) 2-13 year-old Holstein-Friesian x Sahiwal crossbred dairy cattle, weighing 275-450 kg were utilized in the study. The animals were grouped by status of pregnancy into pregnant (63 animals) and non-pregnant (28 animals). Pregnant animals were further grouped into easy breeders (with 1-2 inseminations/ pregnancy) and repeat breeders (with more than 2 inseminations/ pregnancy). The heart was examined on the right thorax using an ultrasound machine equipped with a 3.5 MHz convex scanner. The cardiac structures were identified using B-mode ultrasonography and measurements were made using M-mode echocardiography. No significant differences were observed between pregnant and non-pregnant animals, except for higher interventricular septum at systole in pregnant compared to non-pregnant animals. No differences were observed between easy breeders and repeat breeders. The results suggest that status of pregnancy does not affect the echocardiographic measurements. The echocardiographic values obtained in the study can be useful in diagnosing cardiovascular disorders of pregnant and non-pregnant crossbred dairy cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of administration of nanoliposome encapsulated malunggay (Moringa oleifera) phenolic extract in dogs given cholesterol on body fat and hepatic and renal ultrasonograms was investigated in this study. Six adult male dogs were given cholesterol without (T1) or with non-encapsulated (T2) and nanoliposome encapsulated (T3) malunggay (M. oleifera) phenolic extract. Data on the back fat thickness, body condition score and hepatic and renal ultrasonograms were collected at weeks 0, 1 and 5. Dogs in T3 showed inconsistent changes in the back fat thickness and body condition score. Moreover, T3 dogs exhibited decrease in both hepatic and renal echo mean values. The initial findings suggest that monitoring of the liver and kidney in cases of dyslipidemia or hyperlipidemia should be considered since ultrasonogram results indicate probable development of liver and kidney problems. Further studies are recommended to verify these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonography was performed using a 6.5 MHz linear array scanner in order to determine the ultrasonographic features of the liver, gallbladder and kidneys of 12 captive reticulated pythons with pneumonia in comparison with macroscopic findings. The organs were examined using an ultrasound machine equipped with a 6.5 MHz scanner and echo mean values were calculated. The liver appeared elongated with a hypoechoic parenchyma and a large anechoic central hepatic vein with a hyperechoic wall. The gallbladder was observed as a large elliptical structure with a hypoechoic wall and an anechoic lumen. The kidneys appeared as hypoechoic granulated, elongated structures with the right kidney located more cranially than the left. No differences were observed between ultrasonographic and gross measurements of the different organs. Histogram analysis showed that there was a distinct increase in the Emean values of all structures, except the kidneys which showed decrease in Emean values. The results suggest that pneumonia causes changes in the echogenicity of the liver, gallbladder and kidneys in reticulated pythons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The macroscopic and microscopic findings in the liver, gallbladder, spleen and kidneys of 12 reticulated pythons with pneumonia were described through gross and histopathological examinations. Gross findings in the liver observed were lesions on the surface (milliary white nodules and adhesions) and within the parenchyma of the organ. The gallbladder had a circumference of 15.71 ± 4.75 cm and length of 6.28 ± 2.01 cm. Gross lesions in the kidneys include congestion, thickened capsule and web-like adhesions. Twenty-five percent of the animals were found to have spleen that was irregularly shaped, oblate-spheroid organs with varying discolorations. Histopathological examination revealed signs of hepatitis, nephritis and nephrosis, splenitis and hyperplasia of the pseudostratified epithelium of the gallbladder. Significant histopathologic findings include presence of visceral larva migrans in the liver and kidneys, granuloma formation, presence of intracytoplasmic eosinophilic round inclusion bodies within the hepatocytes and renal tubule as well as presence of lipid vacuoles and cholesterol crystals in the splenic parenchyma. Macroscopic and microscopic findings suggest that presence of lesions in other organ systems is highly likely in snakes with pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten apparently healthy captive-bred ostriches (Struthio camelus), four adult females, three adult males and three juveniles, were examined to evaluate the ultrasonographic appearance and echo mean values of the kidneys using an ultrasound machine equipped with a 3.5 MHz convex array scanner. The scanner was placed in the mid-dorso-lateral area, between the rib cage and the pelvic area. Only the cranial lobe and the cranial part of the middle lobe of the kidneys were observed. The kidneys appeared as a non-homogeneous structure with hypoechoic and hyperechoic sections surrounded by a thick hyperechoic capsule. There was no distinct junction between the cortex and the medulla. The kidneys of the adult females and juveniles were more visible than those of the adult males. In female and juvenile ostriches, the left kidney was more visible than the right kidney. In juveniles, the left kidney appeared to be wider than the right kidney. In all groups, the cortex had greater echo mean values than the medulla. The transcutaneous lateral approach where the transducer was directed caudodorsally against the flank was shown to be an appropriate acoustic window for examining the cranial lobe and cranial part of the middle lobe of the kidneys of ostriches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight apparently healthy male water monitor lizards (Varanus marmoratus), weighing 0.5-4.8 kg, were examined using an ultrasound machine equipped with a 5.0 MHz linear array scanner to determine the ultrasound appearance, dimensions and echo mean values of the urogenital organs. Based on snout to vent length, the eight animals were equally divided into small (<70 cm) and large (>70 cm) varanids. The kidneys of varanids were observed caudal to each gonad. They were elongated with hypoechoic parenchyma and hypoechoic to hyperechoic interlobular spaces. The testes of all eight males appeared as homogenous and moderately echogenic structures. The hemipenes appeared as anechoic structures with hypoechoic walls. The urinary bladder appeared as an elongated anechoic structure with hypoechoic walls. Significant differences in the length of left and right kidneys, length, width and circumference of left testes, length of hemipenes and length of the urinary bladder across sizes were observed. No differences were observed in the echo mean values of the different organs among small and large varanids. The data obtained in the study could serve as baseline values for evaluation of diseases and disorders of the male urogenital organs in water monitor lizards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve two-year-old crossbred cattle (Brahman x Philippine Native) and crossbred water buffalo (Bulgarian Murrah x Philippine Carabao), with ideal body condition scores were used to determine the relationship between backfat thickness (BFT) and ribeye (RE) echogenicity to liver and spleen echogenicities. BFT and RE were examined between the 12th-13th rib of the left side of the animal using a 5.0 MHz linear transducer whereas the liver and spleen were scanned at the right 11th-12th intercostal space (ICS) and left 10th-12th ICS, respectively, using a 3.5 MHz convex transducer. The mean BFT was 1.867 cm for cattle and 1.683 cm for water buffaloes. A strong negative correlation was determined between echo mean values of back fat and spleen in water buffalo, while a weak positive relationship was found between RE and liver and spleen in cattle (P<0.05). No significant association was found between BFT and echo mean values of liver and spleen in cattle and water buffaloes. The results of this study can be used as reference for backfat thickness monitoring for both cattle and water buffalo in the Philippines and also serve as a guide for the features and echogenicities of backfat, ribeye, liver and spleen for both cattle and water buffalo fed with the same ration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighteen Holstein-Friesian x Sahiwal crossbred lactating cows, 3-8 years old, previously diagnosed with mastitis were used to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on mastitis and milk production. The animals were distributed randomly into one control (non-treated) and two acupuncture treatment groups, conventional white needle acupuncture (CWNA) group and aquapuncture group, with six animals per group. For the acupuncture groups, two acupoints, Bai-Hui and Nyukon were stimulated daily for three consecutive days and repeated after a week for two weeks. The CWNA group was stimulated by thrusting and twirling of filiform needles for one minute at five minute intervals for 20-30 min daily. For the Aquapuncture group, 1 ml of 1% chilli pepper decoction was injected into each acupoint using a hypodermic needle. The observation period lasted for three months. Improvement against mastitis was observed in the Aquapuncture group but not in the CWNA and Control groups. The average daily milk production presented as percentage change in milk production showed that the Control group had the steepest decline while CWNA group had the least decline. The above results suggest that aquapuncture has the potential to decrease incidence of mastitis while both CWNA and aquapuncture have the potential to increase milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four apparently healthy female water monitor lizards (Varanus marmoratus), weighing 0.8-3.8 kg, were examined using an ultrasound machine equipped with a 5.0 MHz linear array scanner to determine the ultrasound appearance, dimensions and echo mean values of the urogenital organs. The kidneys of the varanids were observed caudal to the ovarian follicles, appearing as elongated strucutres with hypoechoic parenchyma and hypoechoic to hyperechoic interlobular spaces. The urinary bladder appeared as an elongated anechoic structure with hypoechoic wall. Two out of four female varanids showed ovarian follicles located laterally on both sides within the caudal half of the animal's body. Both pre-vitellogenic and vitellogenic stages were observed. Pre-vitellogenic follicles appeared round and anechoic while vitellogenic follicles appeared hypoechoic to hyperchoic in the ultrasonograms. The vaginal sacs appeared as anechoic tubular structures with hypoechoic walls. Echo mean values correlated well with the echogenicity of the different organs. The results of the study can be used for comparison with the ultrasound features of the diseased urogenital organs in the water monitor lizards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight apparently healthy sexually mature 4-6 years old locally-raised female ostriches were used to determine the ultrasonographic features of the ovarian follicles. Transcutaneous scanning of the featherless ventrolateral part of the left abdomen caudal to the thigh was conducted using an ultrasound machine equipped with a 3.5 MHz convex array scanner. The stage, shape, size and echogenicity of the ovarian follicles were determined. Four types of follicles were observed: a) large follicles (6.4-9.8 cm in diameter); b) small follicles (2.2-5.8 cm in diameter); c) atretic follicles (3.5-5.4 cm in diameter); and d) developing ova (2.1-2.7 cm in diameter). Large follicles appeared as anechoic round to oval structures with anechoic to hypoechoic walls. Small follicles appeared as irregular anechoic structures with hypoechoic walls, which were much smaller than large follicles. Atretic follicles appeared as irregular structures with hypoechoic center and hyperechoic walls while developing ova appeared as oval structures with hyperechoic center and hypoechoic walls. Developing ova had the highest while large follicles had the lowest echo mean values. The data obtained in the study provide baseline parameters for the ultrasound features of the ovarian follicles in apparently healthy locally-raised sexually mature female breeding ostriches which can be used for diagnosis of diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-three (33) 4-8 years old lactating Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes with 2-4 parities, weighing 450-600 kg, were used to determine the ultrasound features of the spleen, liver and kidney at different stages of lactation: a) early (1-3 months, 12 animals), b) middle (4-6 months, 11 animals); and c) late (7-9 months, 10 animals). The spleen, liver and right kidney were examined using an ultrasound machine equipped with a 3.5 MHz convex-array scanner. Digital analysis of the ultrasonograms from the different organs was performed and histogram echo means were compared. Ultrasonographic features of the spleen and liver showed distinct hyperechoic capsule compared to the hypoechoic parenchyma. The echo mean values of the spleen and liver parenchyma were significantly lowest in late stage of lactation. The renal sinus, cortex and medulla can be distinguished from one another in all lactation phases. Echo mean values for gall bladder lumen were significantly lower in the late stage compared to the early stage of lactation. Thickness of the spleen, liver, kidney and gall bladder wall and gall bladder lumen diameter did not differ significantly among the different stages of lactation. The results of this study can be used to compare the ultrasound features and echogenicity of diseased spleen, liver and kidney in lactating water buffaloes at different stages of lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]