A retrospective study of the MRI findings in 18 dogs with stifle injuries.

J Small Anim Pract. 2009 Sep;50(9):448-55

Authors: Barrett E, Barr F, Owen M, Bradley K

Objectives: To make an objective assessment of the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of meniscal damage and cranial cruciate ligament disease in the canine stifle by comparing magnetic resonance imaging findings with surgical findings. Methods: Magnetic resonance images of 18 stifles from 18 dogs which had undergone magnetic resonance imaging for the investigation of stifle disease were reviewed. For every stifle, the menisci and cranial cruciate ligaments were assessed according to predetermined criteria. The magnetic resonance imaging findings were compared with the reported surgical findings and the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) were calculated using the surgical findings as the gold standard. Kappa analysis was used as an objective measure of agreement between surgical and magnetic resonance imaging findings. For 11 stifles, meniscal evaluation by three different observers was used to measure interobserver agreement using Kappa analysis. Results: Magnetic resonance imaging was demonstrated to be an accurate technique in the detection of meniscal injury (k=0.86), with excellent interobserver agreement (k=0.89 to 1.0). Disruption of cranial cruciate ligament continuity and an increase in ligament intensity were found to be useful criteria in the diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Clinical Significance: Magnetic resonance imaging offers a non-invasive alternative to exploratory surgery in the evaluation of cranial cruciate ligament and meniscal disease.

PMID: 19769665 [PubMed - in process]

What is your diagnosis? Cervical pain and paresis of left thoracic limb in a chondrodystrophic dog.

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2009;22(4):294, 336

Authors: Degórska B, Sterna J, Sapierzynski R, Siedlicki M

PMID: 19718847 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Haemangiosarcoma in the uterine remnant of a spayed female dog.

J Small Anim Pract. 2009 Sep;50(9):488-91

Authors: Wenzlow N, Tivers MS, Selmic LE, Scurrell EJ, Baines SJ, Smith KC

A 11-year-old, female, spayed greyhound was presented with a haemorrhagic discharge from the vulva. Clinical examination, vaginoscopy and a computed tomography scan showed an irregular egg-sized mass in the region of the cervix and uterine stump. An endoscopic grab biopsy (incisional) suggested a malignant mesenchymal tumour. Following this, surgical excision of the cranial vagina, cervix and the uterine remnant was performed. The final diagnosis of haemangiosarcoma was based on histological examination of the larger excisional biopsy specimen and was confirmed by positive immunolabelling of the neoplastic endothelial cells for the von Willebrand factor.

PMID: 19769670 [PubMed - in process]

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion associated with congenital hydrocephalus in a dog.

J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2009 Sep-Oct;45(5):249-52

Authors: Shiel RE, Pinilla M, Mooney CT

A 13-month-old, male bichon frise was examined for the investigation of intermittent seizures, ataxia, abnormal behavior, polyuria, and polydipsia. At presentation, clinical and neurological examinations were unremarkable with the exception of mild truncal ataxia and a domed skull. Severe hyponatremia and hypoosmolality were identified, and following diagnostic testing a diagnosis of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) was made. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed changes consistent with severe hydrocephalus. Water restriction resulted in increased serum osmolality and a reduction in severity of clinical signs. The current case report documents SIADH associated with hydrocephalus in a dog. Structural brain disease should be excluded before a diagnosis of idiopathic SIADH is made.

PMID: 19723849 [PubMed - in process]

Prostatic Perfusion in the Dog Using Contrast-Enhanced Doppler Ultrasound.

Reprod Domest Anim. 2009 Jul;44(s2Canine and Feline Reproduction VI: Reproductive biology and medicine of domestic and exotic carnivores):334-335

Authors: Russo M, Vignoli M, Catone G, Rossi F, Attanasi G, England GC

Contents Ultrasonography has become the imaging modality of choice for evaluation of the prostate gland in the dog. Unfortunately, despite providing excellent images, it may be difficult to differentiate the common canine prostatic diseases with ultrasound because many have a similar ultrasonographic appearance. Real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound was used to monitor and characterise the normal perfusion pattern and perfusion dynamics of the canine prostate gland when using a micro bubble contrast agent. In all contrast studies, the prostatic artery, entered the prostate gland on the dorso-lateral surface then tunnelled into the prostatic capsule and branched into many small parenchymal arteries which were directed medially towards the urethra to supply the body of the prostate gland. The flow of the contrast medium into the prostatic parenchyma was visible after 15 s. During the wash-in phase, there was an homogenous enhancement of the prostatic parenchyma. During the wash-out phase, an homogenous decrease of the echogenicity was visible in all cases.

PMID: 19754598 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Computed tomography-assisted management of a mandibular dentigerous cyst in a dog with a nasal carcinoma.

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Sep 15;235(6):710-4

Authors: Soukup JW, Lawrence JA, Pinkerton ME, Schwarz T

Case Description-A 6-year-old neutered male Boston Terrier was examined to determine the cause of sneezing, bilateral nasal discharge, nasal congestion, lethargy, and coughing of 2 months’ duration. Clinical Findings-An undifferentiated nasal carcinoma was diagnosed. During computed tomography (CT) evaluation of response to tomotherapy radiation treatment, a mandibular dentigerous cyst, associated with an unerupted left mandibular first premolar, was monitored for expansion. Treatment and Outcome-The dog had a profound response to radiation treatment, and the nasal carcinoma totally resolved. It was determined on the basis of CT that the rate of expansion of the dentigerous cyst was placing the dog at risk for mandibular fracture and loss of vitality to the surrounding teeth. The unerupted left mandibular first premolar and associated dentigerous cyst were surgically removed and submitted for histologic evaluation. Clinical Relevance-Images obtained during sequential CT evaluations performed after radiation treatment of nasal carcinoma should be examined for evidence of the primary neoplasm as well as to detect unrelated lesions of the orofacial region that can compromise the quality of life. Findings of CT evaluations can be used to determine when and how to initiate treatment for dentigerous cysts in regard to the patient’s response to radiation treatment.

PMID: 19751168 [PubMed - in process]

What is your diagnosis?

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Sep 15;235(6):665-6

Authors: Stieve-Caldwell EL, Morandi F, Souza M, Adams WH

PMID: 19751160 [PubMed - in process]

MRI of secondary cervical syringomyelia in four cats.

J Vet Med Sci. 2009 Aug;71(8):1069-73

Authors: Okada M, Kitagawa M, Ito D, Itou T, Kanayama K, Sakai T

This report describes the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose cervical syringomyelia in 4 cats. MRI revealed enlargement of the lateral ventricle in all the cats. Of the 4 cases, MRI revealed herniation of the cerebellum in 3 cats, an isolated fourth ventricle in 1 cat, severe hydrocephalus in 2 cats and brain masses in 1 cat. In this report, the cervical syringomyelia in these cats may have been due to formation of a secondary syrinx (enlargement of the central canal) as a result of blockage of flow in the outlet of the fourth ventricle caused by FIP encephalomyelitis or secondary cerebellar tonsillar herniation caused by increased intracranial pressure due to intracranial masses or may have been due to caudal compression of the cerebellum caused by increased intracranial pressure due to hydrocephalus.

PMID: 19721360 [PubMed - in process]

What is your diagnosis?

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Sep 1;235(5):507-8

Authors: Phelps HA, Sepulveda G, Langs LL

PMID: 19719437 [PubMed - in process]

Situs inversus totalis in a dog with a chronic diaphragmatic hernia.

J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2009 Sep-Oct;45(5):245-8

Authors: Witsberger TH, Dismukes DI, Kelmer EY

Situs inversus totalis is a rare, congenital condition that is characterized by the development of the thoracic and abdominal viscera in a mirror image to their normal orientation. This case report describes the condition in a 4-year-old, spayed female Doberman pinscher that was evaluated for dyspnea following sedation. Radiography confirmed a diaphragmatic hernia. Situs inversus was discovered during surgical correction. The diaphragmatic rent was repaired, and the dog was clinically normal at recheck 13 months after surgery.

PMID: 19723848 [PubMed - in process]