Search

Hypoglycaemia caused by malignant tumours other than insulinoma is referred to as non-islet cell tumour hypoglycaemia (NICTH), which may be caused by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and leiomyosarcoma (LMS) in veterinary medicine. However, the pathogenetic mechanism of NICTH remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the gene-expression levels of glucoregulatory factors in canine HCC and LMS accompanied by hypoglycaemia.Four patients (three with HCC and one with LMS) exhibiting hypoglycemia were included in the hypoglycemic (H) group, whereas ten patients not exhibiting hypoglycemia were in the non-hypoglycaemia (NH) group. The preoperative and postoperative blood glucose and serum insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) levels, as well as the expression of genes involved regulating blood glucose levels were analysed.Compared with the NH group, the H group exhibited significantly decreased blood-glucose levels, which increased to normal values after surgery. Compared with the NH group, the H group exhibited significantly increased gene expression of insulin-like growth factor 1, IGF-2, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 in the tumours. Conversely, expression of genes encoding glucoregulatory factors including insulin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide and glucagon was not observed. Serum IGF-2 levels were significantly higher in the H group compared with that in the control group (healthy dogs) and NH group. In two cases in the H group, serum IGF-2 levels decreased after tumour resection.These results suggest that NICTH development in dogs with HCC and LMS is mechanistically associated with IGF-2 overexpression and elevated serum IGF-2 levels.

Angiogenesis plays an important role in the proliferation and metastasis mechanisms of malignant tumors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a group of cytokines that contribute to angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the serum VEGF-A concentrations in dogs with various proliferative diseases. A total of 202 dogs that were histopathologically diagnosed with proliferative diseases were included in the study. Serum VEGF-A concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Median serum VEGF-A concentrations in dogs were as follows: healthy dogs, 4 pg/ml [0-21 pg/ml]; hepatocellular carcinoma, 30 pg/ml [0-158 pg/ml, P=0.001]; hepatocellular adenoma, 32 pg/ml [0-49 pg/ml, P=0.003]; hepatic nodular hyperplasia, 18 pg/ml [0-51 pg/ml, P=0.595]; adrenal pheochromocytoma, 32 pg/ml [0-187 pg/ml, P=0.001]; adrenocortical carcinoma, 32 pg/ml [3-161 pg/ml, P=0.002]; adrenocortical adenoma, 27 pg/ml [0-106 pg/ml, P=0.005]; colorectal adenocarcinoma, 36 pg/ml [0-75 pg/ml, P=0.002]; colorectal adenoma, 43 pg/ml [0-48 pg/ml, P=0.144]; inflammatory colorectal polyps, 37 pg/ml [0-111 pg/ml, P=0.001]; pulmonary adenocarcinoma, 35 pg/ml [4-107 pg/ml, P=0.002]; pulmonary histiocytic sarcoma, 35 pg/ml [0-131 pg/ml, P=0.016]; and follicular thyroid carcinoma, 35 pg/ml [0-106 pg/ml, P=0.009]. The serum VEGF-A concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with neoplastic lesions compared to healthy dogs, except for colorectal adenoma. High serum VEGF-A concentrations were observed in dogs with proliferative diseases. The present study suggests that angiogenesis-inhibiting therapy, which targets VEGF-A, may be useful for canine neoplastic diseases.

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and complications of triple-combination surgery consisting of thoracic duct ligation (TDL), partial pericardiectomy (PPC), and cisterna chyli ablation (CCA) for the treatment of idiopathic chylothorax in dogs. Eleven privately owned dogs with idiopathic chylothorax underwent the triple-combination surgery: TDL and PPC were performed in left recumbency, followed by CCA in dorsal recumbency. Of the 11 dogs, seven were Shiba, two were Afghan hounds, and one each was Borzoi and mixed-breed. TDL and PPC required two intercostal thoracotomies in five dogs, whereas they were performed through a single intercostal incision in the other dogs. None of the dogs showed major intraoperative complications. The median operation time was 190 min (range, 151-234 min). Nine dogs showed no pleural effusion after surgery without medical management. Another dog showed the disappearance of chylous effusion, followed by the pleural accumulation of modified transudate. However, the residual one dog in whom chylothorax did not improve postoperatively died 4 months after the combination surgery. The mortality rate at the conclusion of this study was 9.1%. Although the triple-combination surgery with TDL, PPC, and CCA was complex and required a prolonged operation time, the success rate of resolving chylothorax in our study was comparable to that of open surgery as previously reported. Therefore, this study suggests that such triple-combination surgery can become one of the therapeutic options for the management of canine idiopathic chylothorax.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical impact on quantitative analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) on single extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (PSS) in dogs. ANIMALS 21 client-owned dogs with single extrahepatic PSS and 5 healthy Beagles. PROCEDURES In all dogs, CEUS was performed to calculate the rising time (RT), rising rate (RR), and portal vein-to-hepatic parenchyma transit time (ΔHP-PV) from the time-intensity curve obtained in the hepatic parenchyma and portal vein. All dogs in the PSS group underwent preoperative CT angiography (CTA) and surgery. The CEUS variables in the PSS group were compared with those in the healthy dogs (control group) and were analyzed for shunt types and grades of intrahepatic portal venous branches based on CTA findings, intraoperative portal pressure, and surgical procedures. RESULTS All 3 CEUS variables showed no significant differences between the PSS and control groups. The RT and ΔHP-PV in the left gastrophrenic shunt group were significantly longer than in the other shunt types. In the intrahepatic portal vascularity, the RT in grade 1 was significantly shorter than in grades 3 and 4, and the RR in grade 1 was significantly higher than in grade 4. The RT and ΔHP-PV were significantly correlated with portal pressure variables. The RT in dogs with partial ligation was significantly shorter than in dogs with complete ligation and percutaneous transvenous coil embolization. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Quantitative assessments of CEUS may be useful for estimating intrahepatic portal vascularity in dogs with single extrahepatic PSS.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the hepatic CT perfusion (CTP) for determining the appropriate protocol for the dual-input maximum-slope model in dogs. ANIMALS 5 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES Each dog underwent CTP with different contrast medium administration protocols. Combinations of three different injected doses of iohexol (450, 600, and 750 mg/kg) and injection durations (5, 10, and 15 seconds) were used. The CT values at the aorta, portal vein, and hepatic parenchyma were measured to create a time–density curve, and CTP parameters were measured simultaneously on each hepatic lobe using a 320-row multidetector CT scanner. RESULTS The maximum peak enhancement at the aorta, portal vein, and hepatic parenchyma was greater with the 750-mg/kg dose than with the 450-mg/kg dose. With an injection duration of 15 seconds, the aortic enhancement peak was less, and the arrival time at the aortic enhancement peak was longer compared to that with a 5-second injection duration. The CTP parameters in the caudate process of the caudate lobe and left lateral lobe differed with different injection durations. The CTP parameters in the caudate process of the caudate lobe, left lateral lobe, and right lateral lobe differed with varying injected doses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Our study demonstrated that rapid administration of the contrast medium was required for quantitative analysis of hepatic CTP in healthy dogs. The CTP parameters differed with respect to the contrast medium administration protocol, and it was necessary to administer the contrast medium within a fixed duration and at a fixed dose to evaluate CTP correctly.

OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical, diagnostic, and pathological features and postoperative prognosis of canine combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA). ANIMALS 14 privately owned dogs that underwent surgical treatment. PROCEDURES The medical records, including signalment, clinical signs, blood test, urine analysis, computed tomography (CT) findings, intraoperative findings, and pathological findings, were retrospectively reviewed in the dogs with cHCC-CCA. RESULTS Of 306 dogs that underwent surgical removal of hepatic masses, 14 dogs (4.6%) were pathologically confirmed to have cHCC-CCA. Median age and body weight were 11.3 years and 7.3 kg, respectively. There were no specific clinicopathological findings for cHCC-CCA. CT revealed a massive hepatic mass in all dogs and the inclusion of cyst-like lesions within the mass in 13 dogs. Intrahepatic metastases were found at time of surgery in 2 dogs (14.3%). Of the residual 12 dogs, 1 dog showed postoperative formation of intrahepatic nodules suggestive of metastases and another had intrahepatic and pulmonary nodules and a forelimb skin mass, suggesting postoperative metastases. The median survival time of the patients with cHCC-CCA was 700 days (range, 10 to 869 days) after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to describe the clinical, diagnostic, and pathological features and postoperative prognosis of canine cHCC-CCA. The clinical and diagnostic features of canine cHCC-CCA might be more similar to those of HCC rather than to those of CCA, but the preoperative diagnosis differentiating between HCC and cHCC-CCA was challenging. Our study suggests that the postoperative prognosis of canine patients with cHCC-CCA is similar to that of dogs with HCC.

Secretogranin II (SgII) and III (SgIII) function within peptide hormone-producing cells and are involved in secretory granule formation. However, their function in active amine-producing cells is not fully understood. In this study, we analyzed the expression profiles of SgII and SgIII in canine adrenal medulla and pheochromocytomas by immunohistochemical staining. In normal adrenal tissues, the intensity of coexpression of these two secretogranins (Sgs) differed from each chromaffin cell, although a complete match was not observed. The coexpression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) with SgIII was similar to that with chromogranin A, but there was a subpopulation of VMAT2-expressing cells that were negative or hardly detectable for SgII. These results are the first to indicate that there are distinct expression patterns for SgII and SgIII in adrenal chromaffin cells. Furthermore, the expression of these two Sgs varied in intensity among pheochromocytomas and did not necessarily correlate with clinical plasma catecholamine levels in patients. However, compared with SgIII, the expression of SgII was shown to be strong at the single-cell level in some tumor tissues. These findings provide a fundamental understanding of the expression differences between SgII and SgIII in normal adrenal chromaffin cells and pheochromocytomas.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the degree of bone deformities and hindlimb postural abnormalities in a standing position in awake Toy poodles with and without grade 2 medial patellar luxation (MPL) using high speed 320-row computed tomography (CT). Methods The limbs with grade 2 MPL (MPL-G2 group) and without any orthopaedic disorders (control group) were imaged in a standing position, without sedation or anaesthesia, using CT. In MPL-G2 group, images were obtained when the patella was luxated (G2-L group) and reduced (non-luxation, G2-NL group). Bone morphologies of the femur and tibia were quantified three-dimensionally. Hindlimb standing posture was evaluated by measuring femoral rotation and abduction angles, tibial rotation angle, metatarsal rotation angle, foot rotation angle, angle between the femoral anatomical axis and the mechanical axis of hindlimb and stifle joint line convergence angle. Results There were no significant differences in bone morphologic parameters between the MPL-G2 group (5 limbs) and the control group (6 limbs). In the G2-NL group, there were no significant hindlimb postural abnormalities. In contrast, in the G2-L group, significant hindlimb postural abnormalities including external rotation of femur, internal rotation of tibia and foot, external rotation of tarsal joint, large stifle joint convergence angle, genu varum and toe-in standing were observed. Conclusion Dogs with grade 2 MPL have no bone deformities but show abnormal standing posture when the patella is luxated.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical feasibility and usefulness of measuring shunt fraction (SF) and hepatic perfusion with CT in dogs with a single extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EPSS). ANIMALS 36 client-owned dogs with EPSS. PROCEDURES Dogs with EPSS referred for treatment between February 2016 and May 2017 were eligible for the clinical trial. Shunt type, SF, and hepatic perfusion were determined in each dog with a 320-row multidetector CT scanner, and surgical treatment was performed by a single veterinary surgeon. Differences in results between dogs grouped according to age (< 3 years vs ≥ 3 years), shunt type, and subgroups (eg, clinical signs and surgical procedure) were analyzed, and correlations between the SF and hepatic perfusion variables were evaluated. RESULTS The median SF was higher in dogs < 3 years old (74.6%; n = 18) versus dogs ≥ 3 years old (35.1%; 18). Correlations were identified between SF and hepatic perfusion variables, and differences in results for SF and hepatic perfusion variables were detected between dogs grouped according to shunt type. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that CT-derived measurements of SF and hepatic perfusion variables in dogs with EPSS were feasible and could be useful (eg, estimating EPSS condition status and planning treatment) in clinical settings. In addition, our findings suggested that perfusion CT could be useful for distinguishing hemodynamic characteristics among different types of portosystemic shunts in dogs.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone deformities of the distal femur of Toy Poodles with medial patellar luxation (MPL) using computed tomography. Methods Computed tomography data from 37 stifles of Toy Poodles (16 normal, 10 grade 2 MPL and 11 grade 4 MPL) were analysed. For trochlear morphology, sulcus angle, medial or lateral trochlear inclination and trochlear angle were compared. For condylar morphology, distance between the apex of the medial or lateral trochlear ridge and the most caudal point of the medial or lateral femoral condyle (MC or LC), the length of the cranial/middle (anterior) part (MC(a) or LC(a')) and caudal (posterior) part (MC(p) or LC(p')) of distal femur and medial or lateral condyle width (MCW or LCW) were measured, and the ratios of medial-to-lateral condyles and anterior–posterior parts were compared. Results Sulcus angle was significantly higher, and medial trochlear inclination was significantly lower in grade 4 MPL group than other groups. Lateral trochlear inclination was not significantly different among 3 groups. Trochlear angles at proximal trochlear groove were significantly lower in grade 4 MPL group than other groups. MC/LC, MC(a)/LC(a'), MC(a)/MC(p), and LC(a')/LC(p') were significantly lower in grade 4 MPL group than other groups; however, there were no significant differences in MC(p)/LC(p') and MCW/LCW among three groups. Conclusion Hypoplasia of the cranial and middle rather than caudal compartment of the distal femur was the primary morphological abnormality in Toy Poodles with grade 4 MPL.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate functional anatomy of the craniolateral bundle (CrLB) and caudomedial bundle (CdMB) of caudal cruciate ligament in normal Beagles. Materials and Methods Twelve stifle joints of 12 Beagle cadavers that were euthanatized for reasons other than musculoskeletal disease were used. Anatomical characteristics of femoral and tibial attachment regions of the caudal cruciate ligament were described, and location and area of the footprints of the CrLB and CdMB were objectively determined. The CrLB was artificially divided into two equal fibre bundle units and the CdMB was artificially divided into four equal bundle units. Changes in the fibre arrangement were recorded during stifle range of motion, and the tension of each fibre bundle unit at various stifle joint angles was objectively measured. Results The CrLB was attached to the intercondylar fossa of the femur, and the CdMB was attached to the medial surface of the medial condyle of the femur. The centre of the CrLB attachment site was located craniomedial to that of the CdMB on the tibia. During stifle range of motion, each divided fibre bundle unit in the CrLB and CdMB was twisted externally. The tension of entire CdMB tended to be higher than that of entire CrLB at 180 to 135 degrees of the stifle angles. In full extension angle, the tension of entire CdMB was 1.55 times higher than that of entire CrLB. Clinical Significance This study contributes to understanding of the biomechanics and the function of the caudal cruciate ligament, which help to elucidate the pathophysiology of caudal cruciate ligament tear and to develop stifle joint stabilization surgery.

Objective To test the feasibility of a resorbable self-locking device for sealing of lung tissue in lung lobectomy in experimental dogs and dogs with pulmonary mass, and to study its resorption with CT. Study design Experimental study and clinical case series. Animals Five beagles in the experimental group; six canine patients with a pulmonary mass in the clinical group. Methods In both groups, an intercostal incision into thorax was performed. A resorbable self-locking device, LigaTie, was applied at the hilum of left cranial lobe in the experimental group and the affected lobe in the clinical group. Each lobe was removed by cutting the tissue just distal to the device. Video-assisted thoracic surgery was used in the experimental group; postoperative diagnostic imaging was repeated monthly until the device was not apparent on CT. Results Application of LigaTie was feasible for lung lobectomy in all dogs. The device enabled en bloc ligation of the hilum of the affected lobe including the pulmonary arteries and veins and lobular bronchus. No air leakage from the resection stump was observed in any dog. Trace of the device on CT images gradually decreased and was undetectable at 4 months postoperatively in experimental dogs. Conclusion This study suggested that the resorbable self-locking device may be used for sealing of airways in complete lung lobectomy. Clinical relevance The resorbable self-locking device is suggested to be useful for canine lung lobectomy and may facilitate thoracoscopic lung lobectomy. Further investigations on its clinical application in small animal surgery are warranted.

Background Prostatic cancer is uncommon in dogs. Dogs with prostatic carcinoma have been reported to have a poor prognosis. Information regarding prognosis with various surgery options as well as prognosis with surgical vs. medical treatment is lacking. This retrospective study compares the outcomes of medical management to surgical treatment in dogs with prostatic adenocarcinoma and assesses the surgical outcomes of patients who underwent total prostatectomy (TP) and prostatocystectomy (TPC). The medical records of 41 dogs with prostatic adenocarcinoma, between February 2008 and June 2019, were reviewed for information on signalment, clinical signs in the initial evaluation, preoperative diagnostic imaging findings, treatment type (non-surgical or surgical), surgery type, postoperative complications, adjunctive medical therapy, and survival time. The dogs were divided into non-surgical (n = 12) or surgical (n = 29) groups. The surgical group was subdivided into the TP (n = 20) and TPC (n = 9) subgroups. Results Age was not significantly different between the surgical (median 13.1 years [8.4–15.4] years) and the non-surgical groups (median 10.8 [7.7–15.3] years). Body weight (BW) was also not significantly different between the surgical (median 6.8 kg [2.4–34.5 kg]) and non-surgical groups (median 6.4 kg [3.7–9.12 kg]). The overall median survival time (MST) from the initial evaluation was significantly longer in the surgical than in the non-surgical group (337 vs. 90.5 days). The postoperative MST was significantly longer in the TP group than in the TPC subgroup (510 vs. 83 days). As TPC was performed in cases of tumor progression, its postoperative complications were severe, resulting in a shorter MST. Ten (50%) and 6 patients (30%) in the TP subgroup postoperatively showed mild and severe urinary incontinence, respectively, whereas all patients in TPC subgroup did show severe incontinence. Conclusion Results of the study suggest that surgical treatment of prostatic carcinoma results in longer survival times over medical management alone. In particular, TP might be recommended for improving survival time and quality of life in canine prostatic adenocarcinoma that does not infiltrate the bladder. Early detection is key for a survival advantage with surgical treatment.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the major causes of chronic pain in dogs. However, the pathogenesis of OA has not been fully understood in dogs. The objective of this study was to comprehensively investigate the mRNA expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, inflammatory mediators, nerve growth factor and its receptor, and matrix metalloproteinases in the synovium of dogs with spontaneous OA as well as to elucidate their relationships with the severity of synovitis. Dogs that were diagnosed with stifle OA on the basis of radiographic findings were included, and the degree of synovitis was observed using stifle arthroscopy. The dogs were assigned to two different groups depending on their synovitis scores: the low-grade group (score of 1 or 2; n = 8) and high-grade group (score of 3 to 5; n = 18). The dogs showing no evidence of orthopedic disease were included in the control group (n = 6). Synovial tissue samples were collected from the sites at which synovitis scores were assessed using arthroscopy. Total RNA was extracted from the collected synovial tissue, and cDNA was synthesized. Subsequently, RT-qPCR were performed using canine-specific primer sets for IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, TNF, TGFB1, PTGS2, PTGES, MMP3, MMP13, NGF, NTRK1, and PTGER4. Expression levels of IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, and MMP13 were significantly higher in the high-grade group than in the control group. In addition, expression levels of IL1B, CXCL8, TNF, and PTGS2 were significantly higher in the high-grade group than in the low-grade group. Expression levels of IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, TNF, PTGS2, and PTGER4 showed significant positive correlation with synovitis score. In conclusion, all mRNA expression levels in the synovial membrane varied according to the degree of synovitis in dogs with spontaneous OA. Thus, this study may partially elucidate the pathogenesis of synovitis in dogs with spontaneous OA.

This report aimed to describe the surgical procedure and outcome of thoracoscopic hilar lung lobectomy in two dogs with a solitary pulmonary emphysema. Both patients were positioned in left lateral semirecumbency, where the angle formed between the median plane and the operating table became approximately 45°. Three ports were placed in the third, fifth and seventh intercostal spaces at the level of the costochondral junction. The thoracoscope was inserted toward the base of lobe; the blood vessels and bronchi branching to the lung lobe were bluntly dissected from the lung lobe and surrounding connective tissues and were closed using intracorporal ligation, ligating loop and/or clipping. Hilar lung lobectomy was completed by dissection. Both patients had no postoperative complications. Thoracoscopic hilar lung lobectomy without staplers was feasible in small-sized dogs where the right medial lobe had congenital emphysema. The patient’s position and portal formation were suggested to be important for this procedure. Case 1, a neutered male toy poodle, 18 months of age and weighing 4.6 kg, was presented with main complaints of cough, sudden onset of dyspnoea and sputum production after becoming listless 2 weeks previously. Case 2, an intact male Pomeranian, 3 years of age and weighing 4.7 kg, was presented due to a decline in energy and dyspnoea. In case 1, serum alanine aminotransferase concentration was elevated (120 U/l); however, there were no other abnormalities found on the blood test. The X-ray and CT revealed a collapsed pneumothorax in the right lung and multiple emphysemas measuring approximately 15.1 x 7.1 x 5.6~59.3 x 46.3 x 32.7 mm throughout the right middle lobe (figure 1). Figure 1 CT image of multiple bullas in the right middle lobe in case 1. A pneumothorax was found, and a large bulla and multiple small ones were detected in the right middle lobe. In …

This study investigated the direct effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on canine-derived vascular endothelial cells (VECs). VECs were isolated and cultured from canine arteries and veins. The mRNA expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, cyclooxygenase-2, and natriuretic peptide receptor 1 were detected in the cultured VECs. The viability of the cultured VECs was reduced in a dose-dependent manner by meloxicam, carprofen, and robenacoxib. By contrast, dose escalations of ANP had only marginal influence on the viability of cultured VECs. NSAIDs may potentially serve as not only analgesic agents against cancerous and perioperative pain but also as adjuvant anti-angiogenic drugs in dogs with malignant tumors.

Background Gallbladder agenesis (GBA) is extremely rare in dogs. Hypothesis/objectives To describe the history, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of dogs with GBA. Animals Seventeen client-owned dogs with GBA. Methods Medical records from 2006 through 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Dogs were included when GBA was suspected on abdominal ultrasonography and confirmed by gross evaluation. Signalment, clinical signs, clinicopathological data, diagnostic imaging, histopathology, treatment, and outcome were recorded. Results Dogs were of 6 different breeds, and Chihuahuas (10 of 17) were most common. Median age at presentation was 1.9 (range, 0.7-7.4) years. Clinical signs included vomiting (5 of 17), anorexia (2 of 17), ascites (2 of 17), diarrhea (1 of 17), lethargy (1 of 17), and seizures (1 of 17). All dogs had increased serum activity of at least 1 liver enzyme, most commonly alanine aminotransferase (15 of 17). Fifteen dogs underwent computed tomography (CT) cholangiography; common bile duct (CBD) dilatation was confirmed in 12, without evidence of bile duct obstruction. Gross evaluation confirmed malformation of the liver lobes in 14 of 17 dogs and acquired portosystemic collaterals in 5 of 17. Ductal plate malformation was confirmed histologically in 16 of 17 dogs. During follow-up (range, 4-3,379 days), 16 of 17 dogs remained alive. Conclusions and clinical importance Dogs with GBA exhibit clinicopathological signs of hepatobiliary injury and hepatic histopathological changes consistent with a ductal plate abnormality. Computed tomography cholangiography was superior to ultrasound examination in identifying accompanying nonobstructive CBD distention. Computed tomography cholangiography combined with laparoscopic liver biopsy is the preferable approach to characterize the full disease spectrum accompanying GBA in dogs.

Radiation is the treatment of choice for canine nasal tumours but, in almost all cases, there is local recurrence associated with poor prognosis. This report describes the effect of endoscopic photodynamic therapy using talaporfin sodium for canine intranasal carcinoma recurring after radiation therapy. Rhinoscopic photodynamic therapy was administered after radiation therapy in three dogs with recurrent intranasal carcinoma. Two to 24 illuminations of a 665-nm diode laser were performed two hours after intravenous bolus injection of 5·0 mg/kg of talaporfin sodium. Photodynamic therapy induced almost complete remission and prolonged survival time in all cases suggesting that it might be a useful treatment for intranasal carcinomas that recur after radiation.

The prognosis of canine transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of urinary bladder is generally poor because it is difficult to diagnose at early stages and conventional therapies, such as surgical resection and/or chemotherapy, are often not curative treatments. Based on our previous report that recombinant measles virus (rMV-SLAMblind) therapy could be a new treatment for canine mammary tumor, the applicability of rMV-SLAMblind in canine urinary bladder TCC was examined in this study. A canine TCC cell line was established from a TCC patient dog by transplanting a piece of the tumor mass into an immunodeficient mouse and then isolating the primary TCC cells from the grown tumor mass. The primary cultured cells, named TCC-NU1, express nectin-4, a receptor for rMV-SLAMblind infection. The rMV-SLAMblind infected TCC-NU1 cells, and dose-dependently showed cell cytotoxicity. Moreover, intratumoral administration of rMV-SLAMblind in a xenograft model bearing TCC-NU1 cells significantly suppressed the tumor growth reducing the endpoint mass of tumors in treated mice compared to control mice. These results suggest that virotherapy with rMV-SLAMblind be a new candidate therapy for canine TCC.

Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) is a common disease in certain "flat-faced" dog breeds. This syndrome includes stenotic nares, elongated and thickened soft palate, laryngeal collapse, and tracheal hypoplasia. Pharyngeal collapse is also commonly observed, but it is unclear if laryngopharynx motions are merely sequelae or actually contribute to BAS respiratory symptoms. Laryngopharynx motion was imaged using dynamic four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) during spontaneous respiration in four dogs with different BAS types. Dynamic 4D-CT showed laryngopharynx motion in the following order during inspiration: pharyngeal collapse, contraction, and laryngospasm. We concluded that dynamic 4D-CT is a highly-detailed diagnostic approach for detecting laryngopharynx motion. Pharyngeal contraction during inspiration appears to contribute toward the worsening of clinical respiratory signs of BAS.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate detailed functional anatomy of the craniomedial bundle (CrMB) and caudolateral bundle (CdLB) of cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) for application of intra-articular anatomical reconstruction in dogs. Materials and Methods Twelve stifle joint of 12 Beagle cadavers were used. Anatomical characteristics of femoral attachment regions of the CrCL were determined. Then, the location and area of the footprints of the CrMB and CdLB were objectively measured. Each bundle was equally divided into four fibre bundles, and changes in the fibre arrangement were recorded during stifle range of motion. Additionally, the tension of each fibre bundle at various stifle joint angles was objectively measured. Results The attachment region of the CrCL clearly differed from that reported in humans. The centre of the CdLB attachment site was located craniodistal to that of the CrMB on the femur and slightly caudal to that of the CrMB on the tibia. The area of the CrMB on the femoral and tibial attachment sites was larger than that of the CdLB. During stifle range of motion, each divided fibre bundle in the CrMB and CdLB was twisted intricately. The tension of the CrMB was higher than that of CdLB. The central part of the CrMB was always tense during stifle range of motion. Clinical Significance These results may contribute to the application of anatomical reconstruction surgery for CrCL deficient stifle in dogs.

We investigated the utility of triple-phase helical computed tomography (CT) in differentiating between benign and malignant splenic masses in dogs. Forty-two dogs with primary splenic masses underwent triple-phase helical CT scanning (before administration of contrast, and in the arterial phase, portal venous phase, and delayed phase) prior to splenectomy. Tissue specimens were sent for pathological diagnosis; these included hematomas (n=14), nodular hyperplasias (n=12), hemangiosarcomas (n=11), and undifferentiated sarcomas (n=5). The CT findings were compared with the histological findings. Nodular hyperplasia significantly displayed a homogeneous normal enhancement pattern in all phases. Hemangiosarcoma displayed 2 significant contrast-enhancement patterns, including a homogeneous pattern of poor enhancement in all phases, and a heterogeneous remarkable enhancement pattern in the arterial and portal venous phases. Hematoma and undifferentiated sarcoma displayed a heterogeneous normal enhancement pattern in all phases. The contrast-enhanced volumetric ratios of hematoma tended to be greater than those of undifferentiated sarcoma. Our study demonstrated that the characteristic findings on triple-phase helical CT could be useful for the preoperative differentiation of hematoma, nodular hyperplasia, hemangiosarcoma, and undifferentiated sarcoma in dogs. Triple-phase helical CT may be a useful diagnostic tool in dogs with splenic masses.

Objective To describe the morphology of porto-azygos shunts in a large series of dogs using computed tomography (CT) angiography. Study Design Retrospective study. Animals Dogs (n=36) with porto-azygos shunts. Methods CT angiography was performed in dogs subsequently proven to have a porto-azygos shunt. The origin and insertion of the shunts were assessed on native images. The diameter of the porto-azygos shunt and the portal vein, cranial and caudal to the shunt origin, were measured. The porto-azygos shunt anatomy was studied on three-dimensional images. Results All porto-azygos shunts originated either in the left gastric vein (33 left gastro-azygos shunts) or the right gastric vein (3 right gastro-azygos shunts). Two left gastro-azygos shunts had concurrent caval-azygos continuation and 2 right gastro-azygos shunts had a caudal splenic loop. All shunts crossed the diaphragm through the esophageal hiatus. The majority of porto-azygos shunts (32) followed a straight pathway after traversing the diaphragm, although 4 shunts followed a tortuous route. All shunts terminated in the thoracic part of the azygos vein, perpendicular to the aorta. The shunt diameter at insertion was only 3 mm on average. The insertion site was consistently the narrowest part of the shunt. Conclusion CT angiography was well suited to provide anatomic details of porto-azygos shunts and comprehensively documented that all porto-azygos shunts had a thoracic terminus, after crossing the diaphragm through the esophageal hiatus. Different shunt types existed with minor variations.

Objective To characterize the computed tomography (CT) findings for canine adrenal tumors, including cortical adenoma, cortical adenocarcinoma, and pheochromocytoma, and to evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of preoperative triple-phase helical CT for differentiation of tumor types and surgical planning. Study Design Retrospective study. Animals Dogs with adrenal tumors (n=36). Methods All dogs underwent triple-phase helical CT, followed by adrenalectomy and histopathological diagnosis of the resected mass. Precontrast images, arterial, venous, and delayed phase images were obtained. In all cases, morphological characteristics and CT values and calculations, including the percentage enhancement washout ratio, relative percentage washout, enhancement washin, and enhancement washout, were analyzed and compared among the tumor types. Results Of the 36 dogs with adrenal masses, cortical adenocarcinoma was most commonly diagnosed (16 dogs), followed by pheochromocytoma (13 dogs), and cortical adenoma (7 dogs). The precontrast minimum CT value and enhancement washout between venous and delayed phases in the cortical adenoma were significantly higher than those in the cortical adenocarcinoma. The maximum CT values of the precontrast image and arterial and venous phases, the enhancement washin and washouts, percentage enhancement washout ratio, and relative percentage washout in the pheochromocytomas were significantly higher than those in cortical adenocarcinoma. Conclusion The differential diagnosis of canine adrenal tumors was feasible based on triple-phase CT findings, including morphological features, CT values, and intratumoral contrast attenuation. Preoperative diagnosis using triple-phase helical CT may be useful for surgical planning in dogs with adrenal tumors.

SummaryObjectives: To evaluate morphological parameters of the femur, tibia, and patella in Toy Poodles with medial patellar luxation (MPL) using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) and to compare these parameters between radiography and CT.Methods: Thirty-five hindlimbs of Toy Poodles were divided into normal and grade 2 and 4 MPL groups. The anatomical and mechanical lateral proximal femoral angle, anatomical and mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA, mLDFA), femoral varus angle (FVA), inclination of the femoral head angle, procurvation angle, anteversion angle (AA), frontal angle of the femoral neck, mechanical medial proximal or distal tibial angle, mechanical cranial proximal or distal tibial angle, tibial plateau angle, tibial torsion angle (TTA), Z angle, relative tibial tuberosity width, ratio of the medial distance of tibial tuberosity to the proximal tibial width (MDTT/PTW), patella size, and the patellar ligament length: patellar length (L:P) ratio were evaluated on radiography and 3D CT.Results: The aLDFA, mLDFA, FVA, and TTA were significantly larger and the AA, MDTT/ PTW, and patella were significantly smaller in the grade 4 MPL group. There were significant differences in many parameters between imaging tools, and CT was considered less susceptible to potential artefacts and rotational deformities.Clinical significance: Toy Poodles with grade 4 MPL had significant femoral varus deformity, medial displacement of the tibial tuberosity, internal torsion of the proximal tibia, and hypoplasia of the patella.

We investigated the in vitro differentiation of canine bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) into voltage- and glutamate-responsive neuron-like cells. BMSCs were obtained from the bone marrow of healthy beagle dogs. Canine BMSCs were incubated with the basal medium for neurons containing recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF; 100 ng/ml). The viability of the bFGF-treated cells was assessed by a trypan blue exclusion assay, and the morphology was monitored. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to evaluate mRNA expression of neuronal, neural stem cell and glial markers. Western blotting and immunocytochemical analysis for the neuronal markers were performed to evaluate the protein expression and localization. The Ca(2+) mobilization of the cells was evaluated using the Ca(2+) indicator Fluo3 to monitor Ca(2+) influx. To investigate the mechanism of bFGF-induced neuronal differentiation, the fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor or the Akt inhibitor was tested. The bFGF treatment resulted in the maintenance of the viability of canine BMSCs for 10 days, in the expression of neuronal marker mRNAs and proteins and in the manifestation of neuron-like morphology. Furthermore, in the bFGF-treated BMSCs, a high concentration of KCl and L-glutamate induced an increase in intracellular Ca(2+) levels. Each inhibitor significantly attenuated the bFGF-induced increase in neuronal marker mRNA expression. These results suggest that bFGF contributes to the differentiation of canine BMSCs into voltage- and glutamate-responsive neuron-like cells and may lead to the development of new cell-based treatments for neuronal diseases.

Objectives To summarise CT cholangiography findings in dogs with gallbladder mucocoele. Materials and methods Each of 10 dogs with gallbladder mucocoele underwent CT cholangiography using meglumine iotroxate before cholecystectomy. The following structures of the biliary system were evaluated: the right and left hepatic ducts, common hepatic duct, cystic duct, common bile duct and gallbladder. Results The hepatic duct, cystic duct, common bile duct and gallbladder were imaged by contrast-enhanced CT cholangiography. The passage of the contrast medium through the bile duct into the duodenum was visible in nine dogs. The curved planar reformation images of two dogs showed they had filling defects in the bile duct system. In one dog with hyperbilirubinaemia due to chronic hepatitis, the bile duct system was not completely contrast-enhanced. Surgical exploration revealed no evidence of common bile duct obstruction in any dog. Clinical significance CT cholangiography delineates the structural characteristics of the biliary system and partially estimates its patency in dogs with gallbladder mucocoele. Therefore this procedure may be useful as a preoperative screen of the bile duct system in dogs with gallbladder mucocoele.