Planar Lymphoscintigraphy for sentinel lymph node mapping in dogs with mast cell tumor: a pilot study.

The histopathological assessment of the first node receiving lymphatic drainage from a tumor – defined as Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) – is essential to determine stage, therapy and outcome in oncological patients. Both in human and veterinary medicine, lymphoscintigraphy is a recognized procedure for SLN detection (Mariani et al., 2004; Tuohy et al., 2009; Beer et al., 2017). In this study, we want to determine the most suitable pre-operative planar lymphoscintigraphy protocol for SLN mapping in dogs with mast cell tumor (MCT). We selected 5 dogs diagnosed with cutaneous MTC, with clinically negative lymph nodes and no distant metastasis, undergoing surgical tumor removal, and we obtained owner’s written consent. Planar lymphoscintigraphy was performed in patients under general anesthesia, after subcutaneous peritumoral injection of different doses of technetium-99m (Tc-99m) labelled colloid diluted reaching a 0.5 ml volume (Worley, 2014). The MegaBecquerel value (MBq) of the syringe was measured before and after the injection. Dynamic images (1 frame/second for 60 seconds) were taken at the moment of the injection, 3 and 8 minutes after the injection. Ventrodorsal (VD) and lateral (L) static images (120 seconds/frame) were taken until the identification of SLN had been made. If needed, the injection site was masked with a 2-mm lead foil. Results are showed in Table 1. In patient 1, the SLN was not identify, probably due to a superimposition with the injection site. During the study, we increased the injected MBq dose, in order to better visualize lymphatic path and SLN (Balogh et al., 2002). In fact, the number of static images needed to identify SLN have been reduced from 8,7 to 6. Masking the injection site proved to be useful for a better visualization of SLN. Dynamic images showed to be unnecessary for the SLN identification. For further studies, we suggest the injection of minimum 23,5 MBq Tc-99m activity and the acquisition of VD and L static images with and without masking the injection site

A case of adrenal tumour in a lion (Panthera leo): tomographic and ultrasonographic findings.

Adrenal gland tumors are common in humans and in several animal species. Studies concerning this neoplasia in human medicine indicate that clinical signs have a high variability. Adrenal adenomas can be occasionally observed in asymptomatic patients during tomographic studies while estrogen-secreting tumors, known as "feminizing adrenal tumors" (FATs), have been rarely reported. The aim of this study is to describe for the first time the Imaging findings of a captivity lion affected by a neoplastic secreting adrenal tumour. An 8 year-old male lion with progressive lack of secondary sex characteristics, disorexia and weight loss was referred to our Institution. The patient was chemically immobilized to undergo general clinical evaluation, hematologic, serum biochemical and hormonal profile, FIV and FeLV tests. Three months later a total body computed tomography and abdominal ultrasonography were performed. Liver and left adrenal lesions FNABs were performed. Imaging findings showed the presence of an extended expansive neoplastic lesion on the left adrenal gland (40x39x37 mm) with right adrenal gland atrophy. Generalized hepatopathy associated with a suspected intrahepatic cholestasis was confirmed by ultrasonography. Cytological evaluation ruled out the presence of neuroendocrine cells without malignancy evidences compatible with the adenomatous nature of the lesion, associated with moderate degenerative hepatopathy. Blood tests reported an estradiol concentration of 462 ng/dl. To our knowledge, this is the first description of adrenal mass in a lion associated with secondary feminization, inappetence and high values of hematic estradiol, referable to a feminizing adrenal tumor (FAT).

Peribulbar block in equine isolated heads. Development of a single needle technique and tomographic evaluation

Peribulbar block (PPB) has been used in humans as a safer alternative to retrobulbar block (RBB). PBB, depends on the diffusion of anaesthetic solution into the muscle across the connective tissue and it is performed introducing the needle within the extraconal space. The advantages are fewer complications and palpebral akinesia. In Veterinary Medicine few studies describe this technique in dogs (Ahn J 2013) and cats (Shilo-Benjamini et al. 2013). Based on literature the aim of the study is to determinate, in equine specimens, feasibility of inferior PBB with single needle injection, by using contrast medium (CM), and to evaluate thought Computed Tomography (CT) the distribution around the optic nerve (degrees). PBB was performed in 6 orbits. The mixture injected consisted of 20 ml of physiological solution and iodinated CM at 25%. Each periorbital area underwent three CT scans. A basal acquisition to assess the needle position before the injection, a second and third scan were performed immediately after injection, and after application of pressure on the periorbital surface area to promote CM diffusion. The needle position was measured from the tip to the optic nerve with a mean distance of 2,27 mm ± 0,28. The mean volume distribution before pressure application was 23,56 cm3 ± 2,58 and after pressure application was 27,56 cm3 ± 4,8.  The CM distribution, was defined (Nouvellon et al. 2010) “successful” in 4 orbits (>270°) and “inadequate” in 2 orbits (<180°). The present study demonstrates feasibility of inferior PBB by single injection in horses for its simple and practical execution. Inferior PPB is a potential alternative to systemic administration of neuromuscular blocking agents for ophthalmic surgery. However, this approach needs to be evaluate in clinical trials to assess its feasibility and effectiveness in clinical practice for standing procedures

Helical Hydro-Computed Tomography in the diagnosis of pyloric stenosis in two foals

Pyloric stenosis is rarely reported in horses (Bart et al 1980; Bezdecova et al. 2009). Congenital and acquired conditions have been described (Church et al 1986; Heidmann et al 2004; Laing et al. 1992; McGill et al. 1984) clinical suspicion is based on clinical findings while definitive diagnosis is reached by exploratory laparotomy and gastroscopy. The use of other diagnostic techniques has never been described. Two foals were admitted for recurrent abdominal pain. Clinical and ultrasonographic (US) examinations were performed.  Foals underwent Computed Tomography (CT) of the abdomen, both native and Helical Hydro-CT. US revealed mild stomach distension, mild small bowel wall thickening; small intestine obstruction was suspected in both foals. Case 1, two-month old Thoroughbred filly 130 kg of weight: CT showed segmental concentric pylorus stenosis, at the pyloric duodenal junction level. Mild liquid distension of the pyloric antrum and mixed gas and fluid distension of the cranial duodenum. During necroscopy the pyloric antrum showed stenosis due to an inelastic constricting ring reducing the lumen of the pyloric canal. The glandular part presented mild acute catarrhal gastritis. Case 2, three-month old Italian Saddle colt 142 kg of weigh: CT showed small amount of intraluminal hyperattenuanting material within the gastric fundus and duodenum. Hydro-CT highlighted the presence of mild pylorus narrowing, mild distension and moderate mucosal irregularities of the pyloric antrum. An acquired pyloric stenosis secondary to chronic gastritis of unknown origin was suspected. Explorative laparotomy was performed; the antrum was mildly distended and the pylorus appeared narrowed and hard on palpation; gastrojejunostomy was performed. Ante-mortem diagnosis of pyloric stenosis in horses is challenging because aspecific clinical signs. Native CT allowed to investigate both the stomach and the small intestine and, in one case, outlined the presence of pylorus stenosis. In case 2, only Helical Hydro-CT allowed better evaluation of the pyloric thickness. CT and Helical Hydro-CT can be considered a useful diagnostic tool in foal with clinical suspicion of pyloric stenosis.

A rare case of pituitary chromophobe carcinoma in a dog: clinical, tomographic and histopathological findings

A 9 year old male mixed-breed dog was presented for progressive aggressiveness towards the owner. The neurological evaluation was consistent with a forebrain syndrome. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed enlargement of the third ventricle and presence of a large spheroidal neoplasm in the sellar/parasellar region suggestive of a pituitary macroadenoma. On the owner request, the dog was euthanized. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of a pituitary chromophobe carcinoma. To the author’s knowledge, pituitary carcinomas have been rarely described in dogs, especially the chromophobe subtype

Surgical complications following sentinel lymph node biopsy guided by γ‐probe and methylene blue in 113 tumour‐bearing dogs

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is an accepted veterinary surgical procedure given the impact of early detection of nodal metastases on staging of several canine malignancies. This study aims at reporting the incidence and risk factors for surgical complications of SLNB in tumour-bearing dogs. A total of 113 client-owned dogs that underwent tumour excision and SLNB guided by γ-probing and blue dye were retrospectively enrolled. Recorded variables included: signalment, location and number of extirpated lymphocenters and nodes, time for SLNB, histopathological status of excised nodes. Incidence of SLNB complications was calculated. They were classified as minor and major based on severity and required treatment, and as short-term (0–30 days) and long-term (31–90 days). Univariate analysis with generalized linear model with binomial error estimated the association between variables and incidence of SLNB complications. Significance was set at 5%. Median overall time for SLNB was 25 min. Surgeons excised one node in 38% of dogs and multiple nodes in 62% of cases, belonging to one (62%) or multiple (38%) lymphocenters. Metastases were detected in 45% of nodes. No intraoperative complications occurred. The overall incidence of postoperative complications of SLNB was 21,24%, the majority of which (91.67%) were minor. Only increasing dogs' weight was associated with an increased incidence of SLNB complications (p = .00976). Sentinel lymphadenectomy was associated with a relatively low incidence of complications, most of which were self-limiting. The low morbidity and previously reported impact on staging of SLNB justify its implementation to collect data for prognostic studies

Non-invasive estimation of in vivo optical properties and hemodynamic parameters of domestic animals: a preliminary study on horses, dogs, and sheep

Biosensors applied in veterinary medicine serve as a noninvasive method to determine the health status of animals and, indirectly, their level of welfare. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been suggested as a technology with this application. This study presents preliminary in vivo time domain NIRS measurements of optical properties (absorption coefficient, reduced scattering coefficient, and differential pathlength factor) and hemodynamic parameters (concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, total hemoglobin, and tissue oxygen saturation) of tissue domestic animals, specifically of skeletal muscle (4 dogs and 6 horses) and head (4 dogs and 19 sheep). The results suggest that TD NIRS in vivo measurements on domestic animals are feasible, and reveal significant variations in the optical and hemodynamic properties among tissue types and species. In horses the different optical and hemodynamic properties of the measured muscles can be attributed to the presence of a thicker adipose layer over the muscle in the Longissimus Dorsi and in the Gluteus Superficialis as compared to the Triceps Brachii. In dogs the absorption coefficient is higher in the head (temporalis musculature) than in skeletal muscles. The smaller absorption coefficient for the head of the sheep as compared to the head of dogs may suggest that in sheep we are indeed reaching the brain cortex while in dog light penetration can be hindered by the strongly absorbing muscle covering the cranium

Lifestyles and socio-cultural factors among children aged 6-8 years from five Italian towns: The MAPEC-LIFE study cohort

Background: Lifestyles profoundly determine the quality of an individual’s health and life since his childhood. Many diseases in adulthood are avoidable if health-risk behaviors are identified and improved at an early stage of life. The aim of the present research was to characterize a cohort of children aged 6–8 years selected in order to perform an epidemiological molecular study (the MAPEC_LIFE study), investigate lifestyles of the children that could have effect on their health status, and assess possible association between lifestyles and socio-cultural factors. Methods: A questionnaire composed of 148 questions was administered in two different seasons to parents of children attending 18 primary schools in five Italian cities (Torino, Brescia, Pisa, Perugia and Lecce) to obtain information regarding the criteria for exclusion from the study, demographic, anthropometric and health information on the children, as well as some aspects on their lifestyles and parental characteristics. The results were analyzed in order to assess the frequency of specific conditions among the different seasons and cities and the association between lifestyles and socio-economic factors. Results: The final cohort was composed of 1,164 children (50.9 boys, 95.4% born in Italy). Frequency of some factors appeared different in terms of the survey season (physical activity in the open air, the ways of cooking certain foods) and among the various cities (parents’ level of education and rate of employment, sport, traffic near the home, type of heating, exposure to passive smoking, ways of cooking certain foods). Exposure to passive smoking and cooking fumes, obesity, residence in areas with heavy traffic, frequency of outdoor play and consumption of barbecued and fried foods were higher among children living in families with low educational and/or occupational level while children doing sports and consuming toasted bread were more frequent in families with high socio-economic level. Conclusions: The socio-economic level seems to affect the lifestyles of children enrolled in the study including those that could cause health effects. Many factors are linked to the geographical area and may depend on environmental, cultural and social aspects of the city of residence