Two-dimensional shear wave elastography of liver in healthy dogs: anaesthesia as a source of variability

Two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) is a non-invasive method to quantitatively evaluate the liver sti ness (LS), allowing the detection of hepatic pathological changes in both dogs and humans. In dogs, some factors such as patient movement and respiration can cause artefacts and potential errors of measurements. Therefore, anaesthesia has been suggested to reduce the e ect of the movement on 2D-SWE in dogs. This study was performed to evaluate the in uence of an anaesthetic protocol on 2D-SWE measurements for assessment of LS in healthy dogs. Forty- ve dogs were included and subjected to anaesthesia: in 11 dogs, the 2D- SWE was performed both before and under anaesthesia, in 19 dogs, the 2D-SWE was per- formed only when they were awake and in 15 dogs, the examination was carried out only under anaesthesia. The anaesthetic protocol was composed of intramuscular injection of a combination of dexmedetomidine, methadone and ketamine and intravenous administration of propofol for induction and iso urane for maintenance. The variability of 2D-SWE values according to anaesthesia was evaluated. Median 2D-SWE values were signi cantly higher in anesthetized dogs compared to awake dogs either by considering separately the dogs in which the examination was performed both awake and under anaesthesia and by considering all dogs included. According to our study, anaesthesia helped to avoid challenges related to patient movement and respiration; however, it was a source of variability on 2D-SWE values, and this factor should be considered before performing 2D-SWE under anaesthesia

Incidental Findings in Computed Tomography Examination of the Head in Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

(1) Background: Rabbits and guinea pigs are popular pet animals and often undergo computed tomography (CT) examination for assessment of pathologies of the head. The goal of the study was to review CT examinations of the heads of rabbits and guinea pigs to identify and classify incidental findings. (2) Methods: 60 CT studies of the heads of rabbits and 65 of guinea pigs presented at 2 Institutions were reviewed and the indications for the study recorded. (3) Results: The presence of CT findings not directly related to the reason for the CT examination was present in 40/60 (66.7%) studies of rabbits and in 42/65 (64.4%) studies of guinea pigs. Most commonly, the incidental findings involved the ears, in 24/60 studies in rabbits and in 29/65 studies in guinea pigs. Incidental findings involved the nasal cavities, respectively, in 9 and 7 rabbits and guinea pigs. Soft tissue mineralization was present in 11 rabbits and 17 guinea pigs. (4) Conclusions: Based on the present study, incidental findings detected on CT studies are often present in rabbits and guinea pigs. Veterinarians should be aware of the possible clinical impact of these findings

COX-2, mPGES-1 and EP2 receptor immunohistochemical expression in canine and feline malignant mammary tumours

Prostaglandin (PG) signalling is involved in human and animal cancer development. PG E2 (PGE2) tumour-promoting activity has been confirmed and its production is controlled by Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and microsomal PGE synthase-1 (mPGES-1). Evidence suggests that mPGES-1 and COX-2 contribute to carcinogenesis through the EP2 receptor. The aim of our study was to detect by immunohistochemistry COX-2, mPGES-1 and EP2 receptor expression in canine (n=46) and feline (n=50) mammary tumours and in mammary non-neoplastic tissues. COX-2 positivity was observed in 83% canine and 81% feline mammary carcinomas, mPGES-1 in 75% canine and 66% feline mammary carcinomas and the EP2 receptor expression was observed in 89% canine and 54% feline carcinomas. The frequency of COX-2, EP2 receptor and mPGES-1 expression was significantly higher in carcinomas than in non-neoplastic tissues and adenomas. COX-2, mPGES-1 and EP2 receptor expression was strongly associated. These findings support a role of the COX-2/PGE2 pathway in the pathogenesis of these tumours

Bone Lesions in a Young Dog and a NEEM (Azadirachta indica) Spray as the Only Preventive Measure against Leishmaniasis: A Case Report

As the spread of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is increasing throughout the world, the need for effective agents to prevent its transmission has intensified. In this case report, an intact 1.5-year-old male French bulldog was presented for treatment of severe, sudden, and constant lameness on his right hindlimb, which had started approximately four months previously and was unresponsive to routine nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A Neem oil-based product was sprayed three times a week on the dog’s coat for about fourteen months as the only prophylactic measure against CanL. The orthopedic examination revealed grade 3–4 lameness and marked atrophy of the thigh muscles with swollen and painful right stifle joint. The radiological investigation showed polyostotic periosteal proliferation at both hindlimbs. The diagnosis of CanL was established by examination of fine- needle aspiration of lymph nodes (left prescapular, right and left popliteal) and immunofluorescence antibody testing. A leishmanicidal therapeutic protocol was prescribed. Within ten days of starting the therapy, the dog was significantly less lame, and eight months later radiographic examination revealed complete regression of the bone lesions. Some owners resort to a naturalistic approach for CanL prevention, also using products that have not been clinically evaluated. Neem oil is thought to prevent sandfly bites in dogs. Some laboratory and field studies have identified Neem oil as a possible alternative herbal drug that is repellent to sandflies. However, the clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings clearly show that the Neem oil spray formulation used in this case report was not an effective means of CanL prevention. There is no clinical evidence in support of Neem oil-based products for the protection of dogs against CanL transmission. As Neem oil has previously been shown to be somewhat volatile, this case report suggests that even though it is a very effective repellent against sandflies, in practice, its effect on the dogs’ coat was only short-lived

Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Urachal Anomalies in Cats and Dogs: Retrospective Study of 98 Cases (2009–2019)

This retrospective study investigated the prevalence of different urachal anomalies (UA) in cats (n = 60) and dogs (n = 38) and their association with clinical symptoms and urinalysis alterations. Among UA, the vesicourachal diverticulum was the most prevalent UA diagnosed in both cats (96.7%) and dogs (89.5%): the intramural vesicourachal diverticulum was diagnosed in 76.7% of cats and 71.1% of dogs, followed by extramural vesicourachal diverticulum (20.0% and 18.4% respectively). In both cats and dogs, bladder wall diffuse or regional thickening was the most prevalent alteration. The most common alterations of the urinary bladder content were urolithiasis sediment in cats (33.3%) and in dogs (31.6%). Dogs with UA were more often asymptomatic (p = 0.01). No difference was found in cats. Stranguria, hematuria, and urethral obstruction were the most frequently reported clinical signs, while hematuria and leukocyturia were the most prevalent abnormalities at urinalysis. In conclusion, our study confirmed UA as uncommon, and often incidental findings, with a high prevalence of animals without clinical signs

Radiographic and Venographic Appearance of Healthy and Laminitic Feet in Amiata Donkeys

Introduction: Laminitis is a debilitating disorder resulting in irreversible anatomical changes in the feet of equids. Assessing specific anatomical features through radiography and venography provides diagnostic and prognostic information. The reference ranges are well-established in horses, but not in donkeys. It is also uncertain as to whether these ranges can be applied to every donkey breed. The present study characterizes the radiological and venographic hoof anatomy of healthy feet of Amiata donkeys and defines the changes associated with severe and mild laminitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 16 forefeet were evaluated in 8 Amiata jennies. The animals underwent musculoskeletal examination, Obel grading assessment and radiological evaluation. Based on clinical examination and radiographic findings, the forefeet were grouped as healthy, mild or severe laminitic feet, thus the digital venograms were performed according to the group definition. Results: Radiology revealed 7/16 healthy, 4/16 mild laminitic, and 5/16 severe laminitic forefeet. Statistical analysis showed differences between the healthy and laminitic forefeet for the dorsal angle (p <0.0001) and angle of solar aspect (p <0.0001) of the distal phalanx, for deviation between dorsal aspect of distal phalanx and the hoof wall (p <0.0001) and phalangeal rotation angle (p = 0.0032). Venography was abnormal in mild and severe laminitic forefeet. In particular, the vascularization was reduced or absent at the lamellar-circumflex junction dorsally, at the sub-lamellar vascular bed and at the circumflex veins. Coronary plexus vascularization was absent in severe laminitic forefeet. Discussion and Conclusions: This study provides the radiological parameters for the assessment of healthy and laminitic forefeet of Amiata donkeys. The mild laminitic foot venogram showed decreased vascularization mainly on lamellar-circumflex junction and sub-lamellar vascular bed, in latero-medial views. The severe laminitic foot showed very poor or absent vascularization in multiple areas. The technique is easily applicable and provides diagnostic support in laminitis.Peer reviewe

Choledocholithiasis in a dog coledocolitiasi in un cane

SUMMARY A 14-year-old, intact male Siberian Husky was examined because of recurrence of inappetence, weakness and vomiting. Results of a CBC showed mild normocytic normocromic anaemia, hypereosinophilia with activated monocytes. Increase of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, cholesterol and bilirubin supported a diagnosis of hepatobiliary disease. Abdominal ultrasound evaluation showed an incomplete extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction (EHBO), with suspected cholelithiasis and cholecystitis. Any evidence of radiopaque stone was showed at abdominal radiography. A cause to the incomplete response to medical treatment with amoxicilline and clavulanic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid, vitamin E and silymarin, biliary surgery was performed, showing a hugely dilated biliary tree and several stones in the common bile duct. The choleliths were removed, using a combined approach through common bile duct, gallbladder and duodenum. During surgery a biopsy sample was collected, and histologically a diagnosis of chronic cholangitis with diffuse cholestasis and periportal fibrosis was formulated. The bacterbilia was not demonstrate to cultural and cytologic exam. Any complication was revealed in postoperative time; the clinical condition, CBC and serum biochemical profile were normal during the 8- month follow-up period. Stones usually form in the gallbladder, but sometimes they can form directly in the common bile duct or move here from the biliary tree. Multiple small stones, causing incomplete obstruction, with a major one of 1,5x7mm, were removed from the final tract of the common bile duct in this dog. RIASSUNTO Un Siberian Husky, maschio intero di 14 anni, è stato portato alla nostra attenzione per episodi ricorrenti di disappetenza, abbattimento e vomito. L’emogramma rivelava la presenza di una lieve anemia normocitica normocromica, accompagnata da eosinofilia e monociti attivati. L’incremento di ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, colesterolo e bilirubina, evidenziabili nel profilo biochimico, supportavano l’ipotesi diagnostica di una patologia epatobiliare. L’ecografia addominale confermava la presenza di un’ostruzione incompleta delle vie biliari extraepatiche, con sospette colelitiasi e colecistite. Il radiogramma addominale non evidenziava radiopacità sospette nell’area epatica. In seguito alla parziale risposta al trattamento medico a base di amoxicillina e acido clavulanico, acido ursodeossicolico, vitamina E e silimarina, il paziente veniva sottoposto a terapia chirurgica. La laparotomia permetteva di confermare la dilatazione delle vie biliari e metteva in evidenza la presenza di diversi coleliti nel coledoco. I coleliti venivano rimossi con un approccio combinato attraverso il coledoco, la colecisti ed il duodeno. In sede chirurgica venivano eseguiti campionamenti bioptici del fegato e della colecisti; l’esame istologico formulava diagnosi di colangite cronica con colestasi diffusa e fibrosi periportale. La bile risultava negativa per batteri sia all’esame citologico che colturale. Nel periodo postoperatorio non sono comparse complicazioni e durante il follow up di 8 mesi si è assistito ad una normalizzazione stabile dell’emogramma e del profilo biochimico. I coleliti solitamente si formano nella colecisti, ma in alcuni casi si possono formare nel coledoco o arrivare in questa sede dalle vie biliari superiori. In questo cane, nel tratto finale del coledoco, sono stati rimossi alcuni piccoli coleliti ed un calcolo di 1,5x7 mm che causavano una incompleta ostruzione delle vie biliari

Sonographic Evaluation of Medial Iliac Lymph Nodes-to-Aorta Ratio in Dogs

Medial iliac lymph nodes drain many districts and are easy to identify during an ultrasound examination of the abdomen. Since there are no reference values for their size in healthy dogs, the aim of this work was to evaluate the size of the medial iliac lymph nodes by using a ratio with the aortic diameter and find a reference range. The population was divided into group A (healthy dogs) and group B, with diseases of the medial iliac lymph nodes. The ratio of length, height and thickness of the medial iliac lymph nodes with the diameter of the aorta were calculated and underwent statistical analysis, p &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Sixty-three patients were enrolled in group A, and 37 in group B. Significant differences were found between the ratio of sick and healthy patients and neoplastic and healthy patients. No significant difference was found between healthy and inflammatory patients. The best cut-off value to discriminate sick and healthy patients was 0.57, with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 71%. The cut-off value of neoplastic and healthy patients was 0.69, with a sensitivity of 89.47% and a specificity of 84.13%. This value is highly predictive of neoplasia

Doppler pulsato delle arterie arcuate intrarenali nel cane

RIASSUNTO Nel campo della medicina interna dei piccoli animali le patologie renali costituiscono una delle principali cause di mortalità. In medicina umana numerosi lavori hanno dimostrato che lo studio del rene attraverso la metodica doppler ad onda pulsata delle arterie arciformi e la conseguente determinazione dell’indice di resistività consente di ottenere delle informazioni utili per la diagnosi precoce di alcune nefropatie. Nonostante non tutti i processi patologici renali causino un’alterazione delle resistenze vascolari intrarenali o comunque producano un aumento rilevabile dell’indice di resistività, tale indice può risultare utile in corso di patologie renali acute e sindromi ostruttive. L’obiettivo di questo studio è di determinare il normale range di variabilità dell’indice di resistività in cani sani allo scopo di valutarne, in un secondo momento, le modificazioni in presenza di diverse nefropatie. Abbiamo ottenuto un valore medio di 0,61 (deviazione standard pari a 0,049) per il rene destro e di 0,60 per il rene sinistro (deviazione standard pari a 0,046). Non sono state riscontrate differenze significative in misurazioni seriali effettuate nello stesso rene, né tra i due reni di uno stesso soggetto mentre in soggetti diversi, sebbene sani, i valori dell’indice di resistività possono oscillare all’interno di un range piuttosto ampio. Inoltre non è stata riscontrata alcuna correlazione significativa tra l’età o il sesso del soggetto in esame ed il suo indice di resistività. SUMMARY In the field of small animal internal medicine renal diseases are among the most important causes of mortality. In human medicine several studies stated the usefulness of pulsed-wave doppler evaluation of renal arcuate arteries blood flow and subsequent determination of the resistivity index in early diagnosis of some nephropathies. Despite not all kinds of renal conditions alter intrarenal vascular resistance or cause a detectable modification of the resistivity index, such index may be valuable in presence of acute renal diseases or obstructive syndromes. The aim of this study is to determine the normal range of variability of the resistivity index in healthy dogs in order to assess, later, eventual modifications induced by different nephropathies. We obtained a mean resistivity index of 0.61(standard deviation is 0.049) in the right kidney and 0.60 (standard deviation is 0.046) in the left kidney. We did not find any differences among serial determinations of the resistivity index in the same kidney nor between the two kidneys of a given patient while among different patients, although healthy, the normal variability range is quite large. Furthermore we did not get any correlations between the age or sex of the dog and the resistivity index