Cervical porcupine quill foreign body involving the spinal cord of a dog: a description of various imaging modality findings

Although porcupine quill injuries are common in dogs, the detailed appearance of the quill on diagnostic ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging has not been sufficiently described. A 4-year-old, intact, female Jack Russel terrier presented with severe neck pain and ataxia after an altercation with a porcupine 2 weeks earlier. Radiology, diagnostic ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were all utilised to identify a quill imbedded in the cervical vertebral canal and cervical musculature and were compared to each other. Surgical removal of the quill, guided by imaging findings, led to the resolution of the clinical signs in the patient. Previous ultrasound imaging reports have just stated that the quill consists of parallel hyperechoic lines, and do not mention the finer hyperechoic lines in between and do not try to provide a reason for the appearance. Previous computed tomography (CT) reports just mention identifying the quill on CT images (whether or not CT could identify the fragments), but do not go into detail about the attenuating appearance of the quill nor try to relate this to the composition of the quill. This is to the authors’ knowledge the first report with detailed imaging descriptions of a case of cranial cervical vertebral canal porcupine quill foreign body in a dog. This is also the first report to allude to a possible difference in imaging findings related to quill structure because of keratin orientation and melanin content. The ideal imaging modality to use remains elusive, but ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging could all identify the quill

Diagnostic imaging of migrating kebab (sosatie) sticks - a review of 8 cases

Complications related to extraluminal migration of ingested kebab (sosatie) sticks are infrequently diagnosed in small animals. A total of 8 cases diagnosed with extragastric migration of ingested kebab sticks were retrospectively evaluated. No significant breed or sex predilection was found but there was a tendency for animals to present at a younger age (less than 3 years). Clinical signs (of variable duration) were non-specific and included haemoptysis, abdominal pain, regurgitation, subcutaneous abscessation and chronic draining sinus tracts, making a clinical diagnosis difficult. Ultrasonography proved invaluable in facilitating the diagnosis of kebab stick migration in 6 of the cases and computed tomography unexpectedly identified a kebab stick that had migrated into the thorax in 1 patient. Survey radiography was generally found to be insensitive in identifying the kebab sticks. The aim of this article is to alert veterinarians to a clinical syndrome that may not be considered a differential diagnosis in patients with non-specific inflammatory disease of the thorax, abdomen or pelvic regions and to illustrate the usefulness of the various diagnostic imaging modalities in facilitating a diagnosis of kebab stick ingestion and its possible secondary complications.http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_savet.htm

Osteochondroma and multiple cartilagenous exostosis involving the distal radius and ulna on adjacent cortices : an unusual manifestation of a common condition

The findings of two canine patients presenting with distal antebrachial multiple cartilaginous exostoses (MCE) highlights the difference in presentation and clinical significance of MCE impinging on the adjacent radius and ulna. We suspect that a lesion in this region, affecting the adjacent bones, may be missed as a cause of lameness. This may be due to a lack of knowledge of the normal radiological anatomy of this region on a mediolateral view, and because of the close anatomical association between the distal ulna and radius and thus superimposition on radiographs. Additionally, skeletal immaturity may mask the exostosis as the thicker cartilage cap is not visible radiologically. CT allows a much better understanding of the pathology involved due to its cross-sectional imaging.http://vetrecordcasereports.bmj.comhb201

Hepatocutaneous syndrome in a Maltese, diagnosis, treatment and the value of CT in the diagnosis

A 10-year-old Maltese neutered female was presented for lip dermatitis and mild generalised pruritus. On examination, there were multiple lesions affecting the peri-oral and peri-nasal mucocutaneous junctions as well as distal limbs. Serum chemistry and a bile acids test were indicative of hepatocellular injury and hepatic dysfunction. Plasma amino acids were markedly depleted. Ultrasonography of the liver revealed a honeycombed appearance. A CT scan was performed to rule out a porto-vascular abnormality, hepatic or pancreatic neoplasia. Abnormalities in hepatic architecture are described in this confirmed case of hepatocutaneous syndrome (HCS) for the first time on CT. This is the first reported case of HCS in Hong Kong. The dog was treated with a high-quality protein diet and amino acids transfusions. Eleven months after presentation the dog was still alive with good control of clinical signs.http://vetrecordcasereports.bmj.comhj2020Companion Animal Clinical Studie

Computed tomographic, ultrasonographic, MRI and radiographic findings of a venous malformation with phleboliths in the thoracic limb of a dog

An 11-month-old entire male Rottweiler was referred for further investigation of raised, soft, compressible, non-pulsatile, subcutaneous tubular structures along the right antebrachium that had been diagnosed to be a vascular malformation on histopathology of a subcutaneous biopsy. Computed tomographic (CT) with angiography did not reveal an arteriovenous malformation or fistula. Ultrasonography of the limb demonstrated a venous malformation with thrombi and phleboliths. An MRI study of the limb was consistent with a venous malformation with small rounded luminal signal voids that were confirmed to be phleboliths. Radiography at follow-up demonstrated phleboliths. This is the first report describing the combined CT, ultrasonographic, MRI and radiographic characteristics of venous malformation with phleboliths in a limb of a dog.https://wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/vrc2Companion Animal Clinical Studie

Morphology of the female reproductive organs of the African lion (Panthera leo)

The topography and splanchnology of the reproductive organs of the African lioness were studied and described in situ and after removal. The kidneys were located far caudally in relation to the thirteenth ribs. The suspensory ligament was very well developed, originated in a fan-like manner from the dorsolateral abdominal wall lateral to the kidney and extended up to a few centimetres cranial to the kidney. The proper ligament of the ovary as well as the round ligament was well developed. The round ligament inserted on the medial femoral fascia. The left ovary was bigger than the right. The ovarian bursa had a short mesosalpinx that did not cover any part of the ovary and the fimbriae extended along the entire length. The urethral tuberculum as well as the urethral crest were well developed. The left uterine horn was longer than the right. The uterine tube was found to open directly into the tip of the uterine horn and not onto a papilla. The reproductive organs of the lioness resembled those of the domestic cat and dog but with some major differences.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1463-6395hb201

Computed tomography determined changes in position of the hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal systems after CO2 insufflation to determine optimal positioning for abdominal laparoscopy

OBJECTIVE : To evaluate changes in body position and effect of CO2 insufflation on the hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal systems using computed tomography (CT) to determine optimal laparoscopic approach. STUDY DESIGN : Experimental study. ANIMALS : Healthy intact female Beagles (n = 6) of similar age, weight, and body condition score. METHODS : Urinalysis, peripheral blood smear, and abdominal ultrasonography were performed to determine dog health. A series of pre insufflation (PrI) CT scans in ventrodorsal routine (VDR), ventrodorsal Trendelenburg (VDT), left lateral (LL), and right lateral (RL) recumbency were performed before and after abdominal insufflation (PoI) with CO2 (10–14 mm Hg). Pre-determined measurements were made on PrI and PoI scans and differences compared.Results: Liver position was affected by body position and under gravitational influence moved to the dependent part of the abdominal cavity. The gallbladder was best exposed in LL. Stomach position was not significantly changed after insufflation. Different areas of small intestine were dependent on gravitational effects. The pancreas maintained a similar position after insufflation. CONCLUSIONS : VDR was the ideal position for all laparoscopic procedures of the liver. The LL position could be used for surgery of the gallbladder but likely provides poor exposure to the rest of the liver. In approaching the stomach and intestines, the area of interest should be used to determine the best position.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1532-950X2016-07-31hb2016Companion Animal Clinical StudiesParaclinical Science

Temporomandibular joint injections in dogs with temporomandibular joint pain : 11 cases (2015-2019)

OBJECTIVES : To describe and evaluate the clinical application of temporomandibular joint injections using betamethasone and ropivacaine in German Shepherd dogs suffering from non-odontogenic orofacial pain due to temporomandibular dysplasia and/or osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS : Outcomes in dogs presented with clinical signs of non-odontogenic orofacial pain associated to temporomandibular joint dysplasia and/or arthritis and treated with a temporomandibular joint injection were retrospectively-prospectively evaluated. RESULTS : The overall clinical signs free period ranged between 25 to 1579 days, with an average of 461 days. The clinical signs free period for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis scores 1, 2 and 3 were on average 659 days (180-1579 days), 134 days (42-355 days) and 723 days (25-1377 days), respectively. Similarly the temporomandibular dysplasia scores 1, 2 and 3 were on average 306 days (26-1579 days), 1377 days and 669 days (25-1429 days) respectively. Those dogs in which only one side was injected the clinical signs free period average was 639 days (25-1578 days), compared with dogs in which both temporomandibular joints were injected showing a clinical signs free period average of 378 days (42-1377 days). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE : The temporomandibular joint injection technique proved to be feasible with a decent outcome in dogs suffering from non-odontogenic orofacial pain associated with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis and/or dysplasia. Further randomised studies are required to confirm the effectiveness of this intervention.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/17485827hj2022Companion Animal Clinical Studie

Long bone fractures in impala (Aepyceros melampus) : a classification system and review of 55 cases

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to introduce a modified-Unger fracture classification in impala and report the findings of 58 long bone fractures classified according to this system. METHODS: This was a retrospective radiographical study evaluating 122 radiographs of 58 long bone fractures in 55 impala. The Unger fracture classification wasmodified and fracture illustrations for the metacarpal andmetatarsal bones added. Each fracture was classified and assigned a four symbol α-numeric code using our classification. The patient signalment, skeletal maturity, fracture-associated soft tissue changes, presence of fissure lines, periosteal reaction and cause of the fracture were recorded. RESULTS: The overall fracture distribution based on location, found tibial (n ¼ 17) fractures to be the most common fractured long bone. When combined, the majority of fractures involved the metacarpal and metatarsal bones (n ¼ 23). Forty five of 58 fractures occurred in the diaphyseal bone segment. In all long bones, the distribution based on complexity was simple (n ¼ 27), wedge (n ¼ 16) and multi-fragmentary (n ¼ 15) fractures. Thirty one of 58 fractures were open and fissure lines were detected in 20 of 58 fractures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our modified-Unger fracture classification was applicable in classifying 58 impala longbonefractures. This classification should provide the basis for further advances in veterinary and comparative ungulates, and particularly the antelopes, orthopaedics and traumatology.https://www.thieme.com/books-main/veterinary-medicine/product/4728-veterinary-and-comparative-orthopaedics-and-traumatologypm2020Companion Animal Clinical Studie

Triple phase dynamic computed tomographic perfusion characteristics of spirocercosis induced esophageal nodules in non-neoplastic versus neoplastic canine cases

Neoplastic transformation of Spirocerca lupi induced esophageal nodules carries a poor prognosis. Clinical, clinicopathological, endoscopic, and radiographic characteristics may be indicative of neoplastic transformation but variable sensitivity and specificity of these parameters makes their use questionable. We hypothesized that CT would be a better diagnostic modality to discriminate between non-neoplastic and neoplastic nodules. In this prospective study of 38 dogs, the appearance and perfusion characteristics of confirmed spirocercosis-induced neoplastic and non-neoplastic esophageal nodules were described using survey CT and triple phase dynamic CT angiography (CTA). Pre- and post-contrast early arterial, late arterial, and venous CTA images were evaluated. Non-neoplastic nodules were smooth and nonmineralized with a higher proportion of hypoattenuating necropurulent cavities compared to neoplastic nodules that had a more irregular surface, with 93% having mineralized foci and rarely any hypoattenuating pockets. Non-neoplastic nodules were significantly more perfused than neoplastic nodules with the difference being up to 23 Hounsfield units. The difference was most marked in the early and late arterial phases (P = 0.0005 and 0.00005, respectively). Ratios of the normal esophagus adjacent to the neoplastic and non-neoplastic nodules did not differ significantly from each other. Perfusion findings demonstrated relative hypoperfusion of the esophageal sarcomas. Findings from the current study indicated that CT characteristics of relative postcontrast hypoperfusion, combined with nodule irregularity and mineralization warrant a high level of concern for neoplastic transformation in canine spirocercosis-induced esophageal nodules.South African National Research Foundationhttp://www.elsevier.com/locate/funbiohb2016Companion Animal Clinical Studie