[Optimising MR image quality of the canine nose]

Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr. 2009 May-Jun;122(5-6):219-26

Authors: Wolf D, Lüpke M, Wefstaedt P, Melichar K, Nolte I, Seifert H

The aim of this study was to optimize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences, which are already used for examinations of dog noses, to show more detail of the fine structures of the nose. Examinations were first carried out on phantoms. The resulting improved sequence parameters were further optimized on five clinically healthy animals. Images were made using nine optimized sequences on another five clinically healthy dogs, and the image quality was evaluated by three reviewers. Detail recognition and contour sharpness of the conchae and turbinates in the peripheral and central regions were evaluated as were image noise, contrast, subjective image quality, and diagnostic value. The best evaluation was given to a spin echo sequence. Second place went to a turbo spin echo sequence. Both sequences were proton density-weighted. The gradient echo sequences received the poorest evaluation and proved to be unsuitable for the anatomic portrayal of the nose. The TSE-sequence is more suitable to the clinical routine because of the significant shorter measure time compared to the SE-sequence. In case of suspected pathologic changes, a T2-weighted image sequence must also always be acquired, despite it being inappropriate to illustrate anatomic details.

PMID: 19517937 [PubMed - in process]

Comparison of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of canine intranasal neoplasia.

J Small Anim Pract. 2009 Jun 5;

Authors: Drees R, Forrest LJ, Chappell R

Objectives: Canine intranasal neoplasia is commonly evaluated using computed tomography to indicate the diagnosis, to determine disease extent, to guide histological sampling location and to plan treatment. With the expanding use of magnetic resonance imaging in veterinary medicine, this modality has been recently applied for the same purpose. The aim of this study was to compare the features of canine intranasal neoplasia using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Methods: Twenty-one dogs with confirmed intranasal neoplasia underwent both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The images were reviewed retrospectively for the bony and soft tissue features of intranasal neoplasia. Results: Overall computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging performed very similarly. However, lysis of bones bordering the nasal cavity and mucosal thickening was found on computed tomography images more often than on magnetic resonance images. Small amounts of fluid in the nasal cavity were more often seen on magnetic resonance images. However, fluid in the frontal sinuses was seen equally well with both modalities. Clinical Significance: We conclude that computed tomography is satisfactory for evaluation of canine intranasal neoplasia, and no clinically relevant benefit is gained using magnetic resonance imaging for intranasal neoplasia without extent into the cranial cavity.

PMID: 19508490 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Reproductive ultrasound of the dog and tom.

Top Companion Anim Med. 2009 May;24(2):64-70

Authors: Davidson AP, Baker TW

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the reproductive tract is an important component in the evaluation of the dog and tom with reproductive disorders. Information is obtained confirming normal anatomy as well as pathologic conditions (eg, testicular neoplasia). Serial ultrasonographic evaluation of the diseased reproductive tract can be very helpful in evaluating progression of disease (eg, testicular atrophy) and response to therapy (eg, benign prostatic hyperplasia).

PMID: 19501344 [PubMed - in process]

What is your diagnosis? Vertebral mass in a dog.

Vet Clin Pathol. 2009 Mar 12;

Authors: Khachatryan AR, Wills TB, Potter KA

A 1-year-old, castrated male, mixed-breed dog was presented for sporadic episodes of kyphosis, tremors, and vocalizing. On neurologic examination, the lesion was localized to spinal cord segments T3-L3. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine showed an expansile mass occupying most of the ventral aspect of the spinous process of T6. Fine-needle aspirates of the mass were examined cytologically. A moderately cellular population of pleomorphic spindle cells and abundant mucinous matrix were observed. The cytologic diagnosis was spindle cell neoplasia, with myxosarcoma and fibrosarcoma as the primary differential diagnoses. The dog was euthanized. Histopathologic evaluation of the mass and surrounding tissue confirmed a low-grade spindle cell sarcoma, with severe compressive myelopathy and mild neutrophilic inflammation. The neoplastic cells stained positive for mucopolysaccharides with Alcian blue, resulting in a final diagnosis of low-grade (grade 1) myxosarcoma. Fine-needle aspiration was useful in making a preliminary diagnosis of myxosarcoma in this case. Myxosarcoma should be included in the differential diagnosis for a vertebral mass in a young dog.

PMID: 19490569 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

What is your diagnosis? Intra-abdominal mass aspirate from a spayed dog with abdominal pain.

Vet Clin Pathol. 2009 Mar 12;

Authors: Putwain S, Archer J

An 8-year-old, spayed female Labrador Retriever was presented for evaluation of unwillingness to exercise. On clinical examination abdominal pain was elicited, and a midabdominal mass was detected in survey radiographs. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the intra-abdominal mass was done. The cytologic findings indicated chronic granulomatous inflammation with reactive fibroplasia, cholesterol crystals, and extracellular foreign material. The foreign material consisted of opaque, basophilic fragments of uniform width (5-10 mum) and variable length (30-180 mum) and was observed extracellularly and within macrophages. The material was birefringent under polarized light. Histologic examination of the excised mass confirmed the cytologic findings and a diagnosis of gossypiboma (textiloma) was made, consistent with retention of a surgical sponge. This case provides a unique example of the utility of fine-needle aspiration for the diagnosis of gossypiboma.

PMID: 19490572 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Portosystemic shunts in cats–evaluation of six cases and a review of the literature.

Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr. 2009 May-Jun;122(5-6):211-8

Authors: Ruland K, Fischer A, Reese S, Zahn K, Matis U, Hartmann K

The objective of this study was to give a recent review of the literature of portosystemic shunt (PSS) in cats and to describe a case series of 6 cats diagnosed with PSS. Cats diagnosed with a PSS between 1997 and 2006 were reviewed with a focus on history, clinical signs, laboratory findings, imaging techniques, and outcome. Among 12,438 analysed cats, six cats were found with confirmed PSS (one portocaval, two intrahepatic, and three portoazygos shunts) leading to a prevalence of PSS in cats of 4.8/10,000 (0.048%) when compared to the clinic population. Three of the cats were purebred; four were male and two female. Median age at time of diagnosis was four months. All cats showed signs of hepatoencephalopathy and elevated fasted serum bile acids. Elevated fasted ammonia levels were found in five of six cats. Abdominal ultrasonography showed the shunting vessel in four of six cats. Three of four cats in which the shunt was surgically attenuated had a good to excellent outcome (follow up of 65 months). In conclusion PSS are rare in cats. Affected cats may have an excellent long term outcome with surgery.

PMID: 19517936 [PubMed - in process]

Evidence of Inheritance of Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts in Irish Wolfhounds.

J Vet Intern Med. 2009 Jun 1;

Authors: van Steenbeek FG, Leegwater PA, van Sluijs FJ, Heuven HC, Rothuizen J

Background: The etiogenesis of congenital portosystemic shunt in dogs is not understood. In Irish Wolfhounds, intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (IHPSS) is thought to be hereditary, but the mode of inheritance is unknown. Objectives: To document the genetic background and investigate the potential mode of inheritance of IHPSS in Irish Wolfhounds. Animals: Three mature, privately owned, affected siblings and their progeny produced in 2 litters. Methods: Prospective, observational study. Two test matings of 1 affected sire with 2 of his affected sisters were used to determine the inheritance pattern. Affection status was determined by measuring venous blood ammonia concentrations, detection of the shunt by ultrasonography and confirmation during surgical attenuation of the intrahepatic shunting vessel. Results: In 1 litter of 5 pups all had an IHPSS. In the other litter 5 of 11 pups were affected. Both left- and right-sided shunts occurred in both litters. No sex predisposition was evident among affected dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Our results show that IHPSS in Irish Wolfhounds is a familial disorder that is likely genetic. It is unlikely that the mode of inheritance is monogenic. A digenic, triallelic trait could explain the observed occurrence of IHPSS but other modes of inheritance cannot be excluded.

PMID: 19496918 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

What is your diagnosis? Shoulder mass in a dog with lameness.

Vet Clin Pathol. 2009 Mar 28;

Authors: Boes K, Zimmerman K, Saunders G, O’Rourke L, Crawford N, Ober C, Lambrechts N, Miller J

An adult castrated male Golden Retriever of unknown age was presented with a history of weight loss and progressive left thoracic limb lameness. On physical examination, a solid mass was palpated on the left scapula that had areas of lysis on radiographs and an area of cortical bone loss on ultrasound. Hepatomegaly, abdominal distension, and numerous intra-abdominal soft tissue masses were also found. Fine-needle aspirates of the scapula and several abdominal masses contained numerous free nuclei mixed with fewer individualized, intact cells that were round in shape and rarely formed small sheets. The cells had high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratios, central nuclei, coarsely stippled chromatin, 1-2 prominent nucleoli, and basophilic cytoplasm with indistinct cell borders. The cytopathologic interpretation was neuroendocrine neoplasia, either metastatic or multicentric. The dog was subsequently euthanized and based on gross and histologic findings at necropsy, a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma with multiple metastases was made. The neoplastic cells stained positive with Grimelius stain and were immunoreactive for synaptophysin and chromogranin A. Pheochromocytomas are rare tumors in dogs and uncommonly undergo distant metastasis, especially to bone.

PMID: 19490568 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Insulinoma with Basal Ganglion Involvement Detected by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Dog.

J Vet Med Sci. 2009;71(5):689-692

Authors: Fukazawa K, Kayanuma H, Kanai E, Sakata M, Shida T, Suganuma T

A West Highland White Terrier was brought to our veterinary hospital with the chief complaints of seizures and staggering gait. When cephalic Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed, a symmetrical lesion was found in the basal ganglion. Suspecting a metabolic disorder, an abdominal ultrasonography was performed, and a tumor was found in the pancreas. The pancreatic tumor was surgically removed based on suspicion that it had induced the brain damage. The resected tumor was histopathologically diagnosed as an insulinoma. After removal, recurrence of neurological symptoms was not observed. MRI 3 months post-operation showed a reduction in the size of the brain lesion. Consequently, the tumor was thought to have induced the lesion in the basal ganglion, and this was verified by MRI. This case was considered to be extremely rare.

PMID: 19498303 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

[Chronic disseminated intravascular coagulopathy in a dog with lung worm infection.]

Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd. 2009 Jun;151(6):281-6

Authors: Schmitz S, Moritz A

The clinical and laboratory findings in a 1-year-old male Jack Russel Terrier dog with lung worm induced coagulopathy are described. The diagnosis was based upon history, clinical findings, radiography, endoscopy, cytology and laboratory results. The presenting complaint was chronic cough. Radiographically, a diffuse interstitial to bronchial lung pattern was observed. Blood analysis revealed thrombocytopaenia and prolonged coagulation times. Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) was diagnosed based on D-dimer and fibrinogen measurements, and by thrombelastogram results. After stabilisation of the patient, bronchoscopy with a bronchoalveolar lavage was performed, where large amounts of lung worm larvae were found cytologically. After treatment with fresh frozen plasma and fenbendazole, coagulation parameters improved and the cough resolved.

PMID: 19496048 [PubMed - in process]

Sacral osteochondrosis in two German Shepherd Dogs.

Aust Vet J. 2009 Jun;87(6):249-52

Authors: Mathis K, Havlicek M, Beck J, Eaton-Wells R, Park F

Two young adult male castrated German Shepherd Dogs were referred for evaluation of intermittent episodes of hindlimb pain. Physical examination suggested lumbosacral stenosis, and plain radiographs and computed tomography revealed lesions consistent with sacral osteochondrosis. One dog had osteochondral fragments removed surgically; the other was managed conservatively. The surgically treated dog had complete resolution of clinical signs whereas the dog managed conservatively had repeated episodes of mild pain and received one short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication in 18 months. Sacral osteochondrosis has not been previously reported in Australia.

PMID: 19489784 [PubMed - in process]

What Is Your Diagnosis?

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Jun 1;234(11):1389-1390

Authors: Koch C, Brounts SH, Foerner JJ

PMID: 19480617 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Dilation of the olfactory bulb cavity concurrent with hydrocephalus in four small breed dogs.

J Vet Sci. 2009 Jun;10(2):173-5

Authors: Kim JH, Jeon HW, Woo EJ, Park HM

Four small breed dogs were admitted with seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed dilation of the olfactory bulb cavity as well as enlargement of the lateral ventricles. These findings demonstrate that dilation of the olfactory bulb cavity can occur concurrent with hydrocephalus. This is the first description of the clinical and MRI features of dilation of the olfactory bulb cavity concurrent with hydrocephalus in dogs.

PMID: 19461216 [PubMed - in process]