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Objectives: The primary objective of this investigation was to ultrasonographically evaluate the caudal vena cava to aorta (CVC:Ao) ratio in healthy, conscious cats and to generate reference intervals. A secondary objective was to identify the site of examination with the least intra- and inter-observer variability. This investigation was undertaken to assess whether the CVC:Ao ratio holds promise as a technique to assess intravascular volume responsiveness in cats. Methods: In total, 42 healthy cats were included for reference interval generation. Ultrasound examinations were performed by two operators with each examination performed twice by each operator on the same occasion. Examinations were performed on conscious cats in left lateral recumbency. Ultrasound sites investigated were the subxiphoid, hepatic intercostal, hepatorenal and iliac bifurcation. Operators also assessed each site for 'ease of visualisation' on a scale of 0–3. Results: Reference intervals were generated for the CVC:Ao ratio at all four ultrasonographic sites. While each site demonstrated low variability around its mean ratio, all sites exhibited significant intra- and inter-observer variability. The hepatorenal and iliac bifurcation sites were found to be the easiest to visualise (score 3; well-defined visualisation of both vessels) and had reference intervals of 0.8–1.41 and 0.75–1.2, respectively. Conclusions and relevance: The ultrasonographic assessment of the CVC:Ao ratio was possible at four anatomical locations in the cat. The hepatorenal and iliac bifurcation may offer more readily assessable CVC:Ao ratios. Further studies are necessary to assess the utility of the CVC:Ao ratio in disease states, including in hypovolaemia and hypervolaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accurate assessment of intravascular volume is critical for precise fluid prescription. In people, bedside or point of care ultrasound is used to measure the inferior vena cava, with or without paired aortic measurement, to estimate intravascular volume. Objective: To determine if point of care ultrasound measurement of the caudal vena cava (CVC) diameter or the CVC diameter to the abdominal aorta (Ao) diameter (CVC:Ao) at the paralumbar view are associated with changes in intravascular volume, mean arterial pressure (MAP), or cardiac output in normovolemic and hypovolemic dogs. Animals: 8 purpose-bred dogs. Methods: Pressure-targeted hemorrhagic shock was induced in purpose-bred dogs under general anesthesia. Dogs were exsanguinated to a mean arterial pressure of 40 mmHg, or a maximum 60% blood volume lost, then auto-transfused shed blood. At a left paralumbar view, longitudinal plane measurements of the abdominal CVC diameter and aortic diameter were obtained. Measurements were performed at 4 timepoints: baseline under anesthesia (TP1), after hemorrhagic shock was induced (TP2), after ½ of shed blood had been re-transfused (TP3), and post-resuscitation with completed re-transfusion (TP4). Additional variables collected included cardiac output using thermodilution and arterial blood pressure. Results: CVC:Ao was not significantly different between timepoints and was not associated with changes in CO (p = 0.28) or MAP (p = 0.50). CVC diameter was significantly different between baseline (TP1) and hemorrhagic shock (TP2). CVC diameter was significantly different at TP2 compared to TP1 after controlling for the effect of CO (p = 0.03) and MAP (p = 0.001). Aortic diameter was also significantly different at TP2 (p = 0.002, p = 0.001) and TP3 (p = 0.023, p = 0.017) compared to TP1 after controlling for CO and MAP. Conclusions and clinical importance: Obtaining point of care ultrasound images for CVC:Ao measurement was feasible. With a marked decrease in intravascular volume, both CVC and Ao diameter decreased, resulting in an unchanged CVC:Ao. Despite changes in CVC and Ao diameters, these changes were not associated with measured changes in CO, emphasizing that CO is not a direct estimate of intravascular volume and is affected by many compensatory mechanisms. Additional studies are needed to determine the most accurate method for bedside measurement of intravascular volume status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radiographic assessment of the intrathoracic caudal vena cava (CVC) is commonly used to evaluate hemodynamic status in veterinary patients without and with pulmonary, pericardial, or right‐sided cardiac diseases. Many of these patients are now commonly evaluated with computed tomography (CT) in both emergency and referral settings. Traditional radiographic ratios in dogs, particularly the CVC height/aorta height (CVC/Ao) ratio, are often extrapolated to CT in order to determine if the CVC is normal in size. Objectives: The first goal of this retrospective study was to create an objective measurement method to evaluate the size of the CVC via CT. The second goal was to report normal CVC ratio values in both sagittal and transverse CT images. Methods: The traditional lateral radiographic CVC ratios were extrapolated to similar ratios obtained from sagittal CT images in stable, sedated adult canine patients without known cardiac or pulmonary disease. Additionally, new methods of canine CVC ratios using transverse CT images were defined using vessel height and area. Mean, standard deviation, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the CVC ratios in transverse and sagittal CT images were calculated to determine normal reference ranges. Results: Ratio agreement from observers of different skill levels was moderate to excellent. Sagittal CT CVC/Ao mean was 1.07 ± 0.17 with a CI of 0.71.42. The mean and CI of transverse CT CVC/Ao height and area were 1.14 ± 0.27 and 0.781.44 and 1.36 ± 0.59 and 0.641.94, respectively. Conclusions: Application of normal sagittal and transverse CT ratio values in canine patients with and without hypotension, pulmonary, pericardial, or right‐sided cardiac diseases is necessary to determine the clinical usefulness of these ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There are few available data on the venous anatomy of Choloepus didactylus, particularly in living subjects. This study highlights the unique venous anatomy of this species in a non-invasive, retrospective, and reproducible manner, to enhance our understanding of this understudied species. The venous anatomy of the two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) remains poorly understood, particularly in living specimens due to the limitations of traditional cadaveric studies. This study aims to describe the unique venous structures of Choloepus didactylus using computed tomography, enhancing our understanding of this species in a live setting. Three living Choloepus didactylus underwent CT scans as part of routine clinical assessments. The images were reconstructed using 3D Slicer software (version 5.6.2), focusing on the caudal vena cava anatomy. The reconstructions confirmed the presence of a significant intravertebral vein, showing complex venous connections through the ventral sacral foramen and vertebral foramina. These findings highlight notable anatomical variations and challenge existing literature on the species' venous architecture. By employing modern imaging technologies, this research provides new insights into the venous anatomy of Choloepus didactylus, demonstrating the value of non-invasive techniques in studying the anatomical features of live animals, thereby offering a foundation for further comparative and evolutionary studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAccurate assessment of intravascular volume is critical for precise fluid prescription. In people, bedside or point of care ultrasound is used to measure the inferior vena cava, with or without paired aortic measurement, to estimate intravascular volume.ObjectiveTo determine if point of care ultrasound measurement of the caudal vena cava (CVC) diameter or the CVC diameter to the abdominal aorta (Ao) diameter (CVC:Ao) at the paralumbar view are associated with changes in intravascular volume, mean arterial pressure (MAP), or cardiac output in normovolemic and hypovolemic dogs.Animals8 purpose-bred dogs.MethodsPressure-targeted hemorrhagic shock was induced in purpose-bred dogs under general anesthesia. Dogs were exsanguinated to a mean arterial pressure of 40 mmHg, or a maximum 60% blood volume lost, then auto-transfused shed blood. At a left paralumbar view, longitudinal plane measurements of the abdominal CVC diameter and aortic diameter were obtained. Measurements were performed at 4 timepoints: baseline under anesthesia (TP1), after hemorrhagic shock was induced (TP2), after ½ of shed blood had been re-transfused (TP3), and post-resuscitation with completed re-transfusion (TP4). Additional variables collected included cardiac output using thermodilution and arterial blood pressure.ResultsCVC:Ao was not significantly different between timepoints and was not associated with changes in CO (p = 0.28) or MAP (p = 0.50). CVC diameter was significantly different between baseline (TP1) and hemorrhagic shock (TP2). CVC diameter was significantly different at TP2 compared to TP1 after controlling for the effect of CO (p = 0.03) and MAP (p = 0.001). Aortic diameter was also significantly different at TP2 (p = 0.002, p = 0.001) and TP3 (p = 0.023, p = 0.017) compared to TP1 after controlling for CO and MAP.Conclusions and clinical importanceObtaining point of care ultrasound images for CVC:Ao measurement was feasible. With a marked decrease in intravascular volume, both CVC and Ao diameter decreased, resulting in an unchanged CVC:Ao. Despite changes in CVC and Ao diameters, these changes were not associated with measured changes in CO, emphasizing that CO is not a direct estimate of intravascular volume and is affected by many compensatory mechanisms. Additional studies are needed to determine the most accurate method for bedside measurement of intravascular volume status.

Abstract Background Radiographic assessment of the intrathoracic caudal vena cava (CVC) is commonly used to evaluate hemodynamic status in veterinary patients without and with pulmonary, pericardial, or right‐sided cardiac diseases. Many of these patients are now commonly evaluated with computed tomography (CT) in both emergency and referral settings. Traditional radiographic ratios in dogs, particularly the CVC height/aorta height (CVC/Ao) ratio, are often extrapolated to CT in order to determine if the CVC is normal in size. Objectives The first goal of this retrospective study was to create an objective measurement method to evaluate the size of the CVC via CT. The second goal was to report normal CVC ratio values in both sagittal and transverse CT images. Methods The traditional lateral radiographic CVC ratios were extrapolated to similar ratios obtained from sagittal CT images in stable, sedated adult canine patients without known cardiac or pulmonary disease. Additionally, new methods of canine CVC ratios using transverse CT images were defined using vessel height and area. Mean, standard deviation, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the CVC ratios in transverse and sagittal CT images were calculated to determine normal reference ranges. Results Ratio agreement from observers of different skill levels was moderate to excellent. Sagittal CT CVC/Ao mean was 1.07 ± 0.17 with a CI of 0.71.42. The mean and CI of transverse CT CVC/Ao height and area were 1.14 ± 0.27 and 0.781.44 and 1.36 ± 0.59 and 0.641.94, respectively. Conclusions Application of normal sagittal and transverse CT ratio values in canine patients with and without hypotension, pulmonary, pericardial, or right‐sided cardiac diseases is necessary to determine the clinical usefulness of these ratios.

The venous anatomy of the two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) remains poorly understood, particularly in living specimens due to the limitations of traditional cadaveric studies. This study aims to describe the unique venous structures of Choloepus didactylus using computed tomography, enhancing our understanding of this species in a live setting. Three living Choloepus didactylus underwent CT scans as part of routine clinical assessments. The images were reconstructed using 3D Slicer software (version 5.6.2), focusing on the caudal vena cava anatomy. The reconstructions confirmed the presence of a significant intravertebral vein, showing complex venous connections through the ventral sacral foramen and vertebral foramina. These findings highlight notable anatomical variations and challenge existing literature on the species’ venous architecture. By employing modern imaging technologies, this research provides new insights into the venous anatomy of Choloepus didactylus, demonstrating the value of non-invasive techniques in studying the anatomical features of live animals, thereby offering a foundation for further comparative and evolutionary studies.

A 6-year-old female spayed Chihuahua mix presented with chronic recurrent ascites. Computed tomographic angiography revealed an isolated stenosis of the caudal vena cava secondary to a metallic foreign body, resulting in Budd-Chiari-like syndrome. Balloon angioplasty and endovascular stent placement successfully resolved the obstruction with long-term resolution of ascites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the association between caudal vena cava (CVC) size and circulatory dynamics in dogs using computed tomography (CT) under general anesthesia. The subjects were 104 dogs who had undergone CT under general anesthesia in the past. The ratio of short diameter of the CVC to aortic diameter (CVCS/Ao) and the ratio of long to short diameter of the CVC (CVCL/CVCS) in the thorax and abdomen, respectively, were calculated using factors such as mean blood pressure (MBP), shock index (SI), anemia, hypoproteinemia, presence of intra-abdominal mass, and cardiac disease. There was a significant but negligible negative correlation between CVCS/Ao and MBP. In contrast, no significant correlation was found between CVC size and SI. The low MBP group had significantly higher CVCS/Ao of the thorax than the normal MBP group. The group with intra-abdominal mass had significantly lower CVCS/Ao of the abdomen than the group without intra-abdominal mass. The group with cardiac disease had significantly lower CVCL/CVCS of the thorax than the group without cardiac disease. In multiple regression analysis, low MBP, cardiac disease, intra-abdominal mass, and anemia were significant factors for CVCS/Ao of the thorax, CVCL/CVCS of the thorax, CVCS/Ao of the abdomen, and CVCL/CVCS of the abdomen, respectively. In conclusion, CVC size assessment using CT in dogs under general anesthesia is influenced by various factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computed tomographic (CT) characterisation of abdominal vessels is poorly studied. The objectives of this retrospective study were to assess during growth, by CT angiography, the evolution of the aorta (Ao), caudal vena cava (CVC), portal vein (PV), length of the second lumbar vertebra (L2) and different ratios between these structures; and to determine the influence of weight and age on the vessels' sizes and ratios. The first group included six beagles scanned every month from 4 to 12 months old, then every 3 months up to 24 months old. The second group included 26 dogs of different breeds and weights that were considered haemodynamically normal. These dogs were divided into three weight intervals: < 10, 10-30 and > 30 kg. The measurements were repeated three times by three operators. The diameter of the Ao, CVC and PV, the aortic length and the L2 length increased up to 7 months. Similarly, the different ratios, such as CVC/Ao, VP/Ao, Ao/L2 and CVC/L2, were variable up to 7 months old and became stable after 7 months. The diameter of the Ao, CVC and PV, the previously cited ratios and L2 length were variable between weight intervals but stable within one interval. The adult vascular standards and ratios published in the literature should not be used in medium-size dogs younger than 7 months old. As variability is observed between the weight intervals, measurements should be used with care in very small or very large dogs., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Abstract Objective To report laparoscopic resection of retroperitoneal paraganglioma close to the caudal vena cava in a dog. Study design Case report. Animal Twelve‐year‐old, neutered male Jack Russell terrier. Methods The dog had undergone three previous cystotomies for bladder stones. On follow‐up ultrasonographic evaluation, a 14‐mm × 17‐mm tumour was incidentally detected in the dorsal midline of the caudal abdomen. The dog underwent computed tomography (CT) imaging and ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration of the tumour under general anaesthesia. CT imaging showed that the tumour was close to the caudal vena cava. There was no evidence of metastasis. Neuroendocrine tumour was suspected on cytologic examination. Based on these findings, laparoscopic tumour resection was performed using a vessel‐sealing device. The operation time was 136 minutes. Results The dog was stable after recovery from anaesthesia and discharged to home the next day. Histopathological diagnosis of the tumour was a paraganglioma. The dog remained without clinical evidence of recurrent tumour or metastasis for 670 days after the surgery. Conclusion Retroperitoneal paraganglioma in dogs is uncommon, but it is one of the differential diagnoses of a retroperitoneal tumour. Laparoscopic resection of a retroperitoneal paraganglioma was successfully performed in the dog. Laparoscopic resection conferred the advantages over open surgery of being minimally invasive, providing better visualization of the surgical field through pneumoperitoneum and semisternal patient recumbency, and allowing for magnification of the operative field, which facilitated the ease and safety of the procedure.

Simple Summary: Ultrasonographic measurements of caudal vena cava and aorta are known as reliable tool to assess intravascular volume status in human. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility to assess caudal vena cava with ultrasound in different sites, and to study effect of sex, age, body weight and breed on measurements in healthy calves. A single investigator took measurements of caudal vena cava by ultrasonography in two anatomic sites (subxiphoid and paralumbar site) in 48 calves aged less than 60 days, and then repeated 2,5 months after the first assessment. The study also evaluates the variability between measurements of three observers on five randomly selected calves. The results show that measurement of caudal vena cava by point of care ultrasound was easily obtained on paralumbar site in calves under 4 months of age, and measurements were correlated with the age of the calves. Further studies could compare caudal vena cava measurements in healthy calves to those in calves suffering from diarrhea or surgical disease to see if caudal vena cava point of care ultrasound could complement other shock evaluation parameters such as blood parameters or arterial blood pressure measurements. Ultrasonographic measurements of the caudal vena cava (CVC) and aorta (Ao) are known as reliable tools to assess intravascular volume status in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of obtaining ultrasonographical measurements of CVC and Ao in two different views, assess intra- and interobserver variability, and study the effect of sex, age, body weight, and breed on measurements in healthy calves. The diameter and area of CVC and Ao were measured by a single investigator in two anatomic sites (subxiphoid and paralumbar window) in 48 calves aged less than 60 days and then repeated 2.5 months after the first assessment. For intra- and interobserver variability assessment, CVC and Ao measurements were repeated by three observers on five randomly selected calves. CVC and Ao measurements were easily obtained in PV and more difficult to obtain in SV. CVC and Ao area in PV showed high repeatability and reproducibility. A positive correlation was highlighted between age and CVC and Ao measurements in both sites. In conclusion, CVC size assessment by point of care ultrasound can be easily performed at a paralumbar site in calves under 4 months of age and could be used to assess intravascular volume status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report laparoscopic resection of retroperitoneal paraganglioma close to the caudal vena cava in a dog. Study design: Case report. Animal: Twelve‐year‐old, neutered male Jack Russell terrier. Methods: The dog had undergone three previous cystotomies for bladder stones. On follow‐up ultrasonographic evaluation, a 14‐mm × 17‐mm tumour was incidentally detected in the dorsal midline of the caudal abdomen. The dog underwent computed tomography (CT) imaging and ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration of the tumour under general anaesthesia. CT imaging showed that the tumour was close to the caudal vena cava. There was no evidence of metastasis. Neuroendocrine tumour was suspected on cytologic examination. Based on these findings, laparoscopic tumour resection was performed using a vessel‐sealing device. The operation time was 136 minutes. Results: The dog was stable after recovery from anaesthesia and discharged to home the next day. Histopathological diagnosis of the tumour was a paraganglioma. The dog remained without clinical evidence of recurrent tumour or metastasis for 670 days after the surgery. Conclusion: Retroperitoneal paraganglioma in dogs is uncommon, but it is one of the differential diagnoses of a retroperitoneal tumour. Laparoscopic resection of a retroperitoneal paraganglioma was successfully performed in the dog. Laparoscopic resection conferred the advantages over open surgery of being minimally invasive, providing better visualization of the surgical field through pneumoperitoneum and semisternal patient recumbency, and allowing for magnification of the operative field, which facilitated the ease and safety of the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiology, an imaging technique, is used in checking small animals for cardiovascular and respira-tory disorders. Cardiovascular disease such as congestive heart failure, pericardial heart disease, heart worms and disease that cause injury and lesion in the right atrium may lead to an enlarged right side of the heart and as a result cause the enlargement of caudal vena cava (CVC). It is not possible to make a complete comparison of CVC size, due to variety in size of the cats but the ratio of CVC size to the other anatomical structures makes this possibility that we have a better estimation of CVC size. So the aim of this study was to evaluate the ratio of CVC size to aorta (Ao), width of fourth rib (R4) and also the thoracic vertebral length (VL) in 20 male healthy and 20 Domestic Shorthair (DSH) cats with right heart failure (RHF). To this end, the ratio of CVC size to posterior aorta (Ao), the ratio of CVC size to width of the forth rib, the ratio of CVC size to the length of thoracic vertebrae above the site of trachea bifurcation, CVC/VL of 20 RHF cats to CVC/VL of 20 healthy SHD cats, and also Ao/VL ratios were calculated. Statistical analysis showed significant difference in the CVC/Ao and CVC/R4 between healthy and RHF cats. CVC/VL was increased in RHF cats in comparison to healthy ones (P

Ultrasonographic measurements of the caudal vena cava (CVC) and aorta (Ao) are known as reliable tools to assess intravascular volume status in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of obtaining ultrasonographical measurements of CVC and Ao in two different views, assess intra- and interobserver variability, and study the effect of sex, age, body weight, and breed on measurements in healthy calves. The diameter and area of CVC and Ao were measured by a single investigator in two anatomic sites (subxiphoid and paralumbar window) in 48 calves aged less than 60 days and then repeated 2.5 months after the first assessment. For intra- and interobserver variability assessment, CVC and Ao measurements were repeated by three observers on five randomly selected calves. CVC and Ao measurements were easily obtained in PV and more difficult to obtain in SV. CVC and Ao area in PV showed high repeatability and reproducibility. A positive correlation was highlighted between age and CVC and Ao measurements in both sites. In conclusion, CVC size assessment by point of care ultrasound can be easily performed at a paralumbar site in calves under 4 months of age and could be used to assess intravascular volume status.

An ultrasonography was performed in 21 healthy male calves of Nellore (n = 8), Curraleiro Pe‐duro (n = 7) and Pantaneiro (n = 6) breeds, between 8 and 12 months, with the objective to display information about size, position and ultrasonographic parenchymal patterns of the liver, in addition to the topography of the gallbladder, right kidney and major vessels. The measurements used were dorsal margin distance (DMD) and ventral margin distance (VMD) of the liver, viewable extension (VE) of the liver, the caudal vena cava (CVC), width (CVCW) and depth (CVCD) and the portal vein (PV), width (PVW) and depth (PVD). The measures DMD, VMD and VE were similar, and the organ's longest visible extension was in 11th ICS. CVC was more frequently observed in the 11th and 10th ICS, despite being visible from the 12th to the 9th ICS in Nellore and still 8th ICS in Curraleiro Pe‐duro and Pantaneiro. CVCD was lower in the 10th and 9th ICS in Nellore. The PV presented higher observation frequency in the 10th ICS. The measures PVD and PVW were higher in Nellore in the 11th, 10th and 9th ICS. To our knowledge, this report is the first to document ultrasonographic findings in three healthy calves. Considering the three breeds, the results show no differences in the ultrasonographic features as regard to the measurements and visualization of the position, size and vasculature of the liver and there was no additional information about the topography of the gallbladder and the right kidney. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three canines were identified with aberrant drainage of the caudal vena cava to the left atrium, consistent with imperforate cor triatriatum dexter, and concurrent patent foramen ovale. All three had concurrent significant pulmonic stenosis with varying degrees of hypoplasia of the right ventricular outflow tract. Echocardiography, positive contrast studies, and angiography confirmed the diagnosis. Surgical redirection of the caudal vena cava bloodflow to the right atrium was attempted unsuccessfully in two symptomatic patients. The third patient was asymptomatic, and correction was not attempted. Possible embryologic causes and possible approaches in future cases are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the use of the caudal vena cava collapsibility index (CVCCI) as a predictor of fluid responsiveness in hospitalized, critically ill dogs with hemodynamic or tissue perfusion abnormalities. Design: Retrospective observational study. Setting: Private referral center. Animals: Twenty‐seven critically ill, spontaneously breathing dogs with compromised hemodynamics or tissue hypoperfusion. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: The electronic medical records were searched for dogs admitted for any cause, from August 2016 to December 2017. We included dogs with ultrasound measurements of: CVCCI, performed at baseline; and velocity time integral (VTI) of the subaortic blood flow, carried out before and after a fluid load. CVCCI was estimated as: (maximum diameter‐minimum diameter/maximum diameter) × 100. Dogs in which VTI increased ≥15% were considered fluid responders. The CVCCI accurately predicted fluid responsiveness with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.88 to 1.00). The optimal cut‐off of CVCCI that better discriminated between fluid responders and nonresponders was 27%, with 100.0% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity. At baseline, fluid responders had lower VTI (5.48 [4.26 to 7.40] vs 10.61 [7.38 to 13.23] cm, P = 0.004) than nonresponders. The basal maximum diameter of the caudal vena cava adjusted to body weight was not different between responders and nonresponders (0.050 [0.030 to 0.100] vs 0.079 [0.067 to 0.140] cm/kg, P = 0.339). The increase in VTI was related to basal CVCCI (R = 0.60, P = 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis showed narrow 95% limits of agreement between measurements of CVCCI and VTI performed by different observers or by the same observer. Conclusions: The results of this small cohort study suggest that CVCCI can accurately predict fluid responsiveness in critically ill dogs with perfusion abnormalities. Further research is necessary to extrapolate these results to larger populations of hospitalized dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 5‐year‐old spayed female English Bulldog was evaluated for acute anorexia, lethargy, respiratory distress, and syncope. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography revealed the vascular malformation of azygous continuation of the caudal vena cava with extensive thrombus formation and pulmonary arterial thromboembolic disease. The patient was hospitalized for supportive treatment and was prescribed long‐term clopidogrel therapy. The patient survived to discharge and at last follow‐up remained clinically stable. While this vascular malformation has been reported in canines, to the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of pulmonary thromboembolic disease in a canine concurrent with this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dogs with primary respiratory disease may have comorbid pulmonary hypertension. • Echocardiography is the criterion standard for pulmonary hypertension diagnosis. • The subxiphoid view was not sensitive or specific for differentiating between degrees of pulmonary hypertension. • The subxiphoid view did not allow diagnosis of clinically relevant pulmonary hypertension. • Modifications in image acquisition may improve sensitivity and specificity. Dogs with respiratory disease can develop pulmonary hypertension (PH), a comorbid condition that can impact therapy and prognosis. Without confirmation using the criterion standard of echocardiography, this complication may be missed. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a simple, non-invasive screening test that may suggest PH. It was hypothesized that in dogs POCUS right-sided cardiac markers (R-SCM) at the subxiphoid view would predict moderate to severe PH confirmed by echocardiography. Forty-three client-owned dogs that underwent respiratory evaluation with POCUS and echocardiography were included. POCUS R-SCM evaluated in the subxiphoid view included subjective caudal vena cava distention (CVC sx), CVC sx >1 cm, gallbladder wall edema and ascites. PH was defined by tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG) as mild (30–49.9 mmHg), moderate (50–74.9 mmHg) or severe (>75 mmHg). POCUS subxiphoid views were blindly evaluated post hoc and compared to echocardiography. Chi square test and one-way ANOVA were used to evaluate correlations between POCUS R-SCM and echocardiographic diagnosis of moderate to severe PH. Twenty-six dogs with PH, and 17 dogs without PH, were enrolled. There was no significant difference in the presence or absence of any R-SCM between dogs with and without PH. When dogs with no PH and mild PH were grouped and compared to dogs with moderate to severe PH (i.e., dogs for which treatment for PH would be recommended), no significant differences in R-SCM were noted. POCUS R-SCM using the CVC sx view was not a sensitive screening test to identify dogs with PH in this study population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiology, an imaging technique, is used in checking small animals for cardiovascular and respiratory disorders. Cardiovascular disease such as congestive heart failure, pericardial heart disease, heart worms and disease that cause injury and lesion in the right atrium may lead to an enlarged right side of the heart and as a result cause the enlargement of caudal vena cava (CVC). It is not possible to make a complete comparison of CVC size, due to variety in size of the cats but the ratio of CVC size to the other anatomical structures makes this possibility that we have a better estimation of CVC size. So the aim of this study was to evaluate the ratio of CVC size to aorta (Ao), width of fourth rib (R4) and also the thoracic vertebral length (VL) in 20 male healthy and 20 Domestic Shorthair (DSH) cats with right heart failure (RHF). To this end, the ratio of CVC size to posterior aorta (Ao), the ratio of CVC size to width of the forth rib, the ratio of CVC size to the length of thoracic vertebrae above the site of trachea bifurcation, CVC/VL of 20 RHF cats to CVC/VL of 20 healthy SHD cats, and also Ao/VL ratios were calculated. Statistical analysis showed significant difference in the CVC/Ao and CVC/R4 between healthy and RHF cats. CVC/VL was increased in RHF cats in comparison to healthy ones (P<0.05) while Ao/VL in right heart failure DSH cats was lower than that in healthy DSH cats. The results showed that right heart failure disease in cats may lead to increase in the CVC/Ao, CVC/R4 and CVC/VL parameters in comparison with healthy cats. According to this study, the method that is used to diagnose the right heart failure in dogs could be used for cats too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In dogs, variation in the branching pattern of renal veins is rare with only few patterns reported. This report describes two unusual anomalies of the renal vein branching patterns in two dogs. In dog 1, a common renal trunk drained both kidneys, in a T-shape pattern, in the caudal vena cava after a long right perirenal course. In dog 2, a common venous trunk branched cranially from the pre-renal segment of an azygos-caudal vena cava venous trunk and divided into the renal veins in a Y-shape pattern. Proper knowledge of the possible anatomical variations in renal venous drainage may be helpful during imaging assessment and surgical planning of several canine diseases involving the abdominal vasculature and retroperitoneal space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical assessment of intravascular volume status is challenging. In humans, ultrasonographic assessment of the inferior vena cava diameter, directly or as a ratio to the aortic diameter is used to estimate intravascular volume status. Objectives: To ultrasonographically obtain reference values (RV) for caudal vena cava diameter (CVCD), area (CVCa) and aortic ratios using 3 views in awake healthy dogs. Animals: One hundred and twenty‐six healthy adult dogs from clients, students, faculty, or staff. Methods: Prospective, multicenter, observational study. Two observer pairs evaluated CVCD by a longitudinal subxiphoid view (SV), a transverse 11th‐13th right hepatic intercostal view (HV), and a longitudinal right paralumbar view (PV). Inter‐rater agreements were estimated using concordance correlation coefficients (CCC). For body weight (BW)‐dependent variables, RVs were calculated using allometric scaling for variables with a CCC ≥ 0.7. Results: The CCC was ≤0.43 for the CVC/aorta ratio at the PV and ≤0.43 in both inspiration and expiration for CVC at the SV. The RVs using allometric scaling for CVCa at the HV for inspiration, expiration, and for CVCD at the PV were 6.16 × BW0.762, 7.24 × BW0.787, 2.79 × BW0.390, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The CVCD, measured at the HV and PV in healthy awake dogs of various breeds has good inter‐rater agreement suggesting these sites are reliable in measuring CVCD. Established RVs for CVCD for these sites need further comparison to results obtained in hypovolemic and hypervolemic dogs to determine their usefulness to evaluate volume status in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A noninvasive method for quantifying hydration status would be helpful for clinical management and for research applications in dogs. This prospective, experimental, pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of ultrasonographic measurement of the caudal vena cava to aorta ratio as a method for quantifying volume depletion in dogs. In 12 normal beagle dogs, furosemide was administered intravenously at a dose of 1 mg/kg, every 2 h, for 8 h, to induce consecutive volume depletion. Every 30 min after administration, ultrasonographic images of the caudal vena cava and aorta, and physical and biological parameters related to dehydration were acquired. On transverse and longitudinal planes of caudal vena cava and aorta images, the height and area of the caudal vena cava and aorta were measured to calculate the caudal vena cava/aorta ratios. All images were acquired by approaching from the right intercostal space with the dogs in left lateral recumbency. A negative correlation was present between the percentage of weight loss in dogs and all four investigated caudal vena cava/aorta ratios (transverse plane width of the caudal vena cava [TW]/aorta; transverse plane height of caudal vena cava [TH]/aorta; longitudinal plane area of the caudal vena cava [TA]/aorta; and longitudinal plane maximal height of the caudal vena cava [L]/aorta). Significant differences (P < 0.001) were seen between dogs with and without clinical signs of dehydration for all caudal vena cava/aorta ratios. Findings indicated that ultrasonographic caudal vena cava/aorta ratios are feasible methods for quantifying volume depletion and for use as an adjunct to standard subjective methods for estimating hydration status in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, hepatic blood flow in cows was invasively characterized to investigate different pathologies and physiological conditions. However, hepatic blood flow can be easily evaluated with transabdominal Doppler ultrasound. Sixteen healthy adult non-lactating, non-pregnant Holstein-Friesian cows were examined using B-mode and Doppler ultrasound between the right flank and 9th intercostal space to establish the best approach to the different parts of the portal and hepatic vein systems, and determine normal blood flow characteristics. The main portal vein was characterized by a turbulent, high-velocity flow due to the opposing confluence of the splenic and cranial mesenteric veins, while hepatic and caudal vena cava veins have laminar blood flow, in which the phasicity is considered mainly respiratory in origin. Reference values were determined in relation to the anatomical point of observation. In conclusion, transabdominal Doppler ultrasound of the portal system is a simple technique that allows non-invasive characterization of portal and hepatic blood haemodynamics in cows.

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CASE REPORT A 3-year-old dog weighing 31 kg underwent placement of a jugular catheter for central venous pressure measurement. During placement of a multilumen catheter into the left jugular vein, the guide wire slipped and migrated into the vessel. Palpation of the vein revealed no presence of the wire. Plain thoracic and abdominal radiographs showed the guide wire extending from the left jugular vein caudally to the caudal vena cava to the level of the 7th lumbar vertebra. The caudal vena cava was exposed through a midline laparotomy. Palpation revealed the guide wire ending cranial to the iliac vein bifurcation. A 1.5-cm venotomy was performed, the wire was retrieved and the venotomy was closed with 5/0 polypropylene suture in a simple continuous pattern. No abnormalities were observed and the dog was discharged from hospital 2 days after surgery. The dog was re-examined 10 days after surgery and ultrasonography revealed no signs of thrombosis CONCLUSION Eight months after surgery the dog was reported to be free of clinical signs of vascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]