MULTIPLE CONGENITAL URINARY TRACT ABNORMALITIES IN A BITCH: A CASE HISTORY REPORT

A 2 1/2-month-old, female German Shepherd Dog was examined because of incontinence since birth. Multiple urinary anomalies which included left renal agenesis, right hydronephrosis and hydroureter and urinary bladder dysfunction were found by excretory urography. These abnormalities were confirmed at necropsy. In addition, vesicovaginal continuity with apparent absence of the urethra was also found     

DEGENERATIVE CHANGES IN THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN OF THE DOG

A group of 160 Beagles were studied radiographically to determine the pattern of degenerative changes within the vertebral column, especially involving the intervertebral discs. The normal radiographic appearance of both disc and surrounding vertebrae is described. Disc space narrowing and calcification of discal tissues provide radiographic patterns that assist in diagnosis and prognosis. Because of the older age of the dogs, severe degeneration of the endplates with marked instability between vertebral segments was seen.     

EVALUATION OF TRADITIONAL AND NOVEL RADIOGRAPHIC VERTEBRAL RATIOS IN GREAT DANES WITH VERSUS WITHOUT CERVICAL SPONDYLOMYELOPATHY

Great Danes are predisposed to osseous‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler syndrome). The first aim of this prospective study was to compare values measured using previously published intravertebral and intervertebral ratio methods and a novel ventrodorsal ratio method in radiographs of clinically normal and affected Great Danes. The second aim was to determine whether these ratios could be used as predictors of sites of spinal cord compression based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty dogs (15 normal, 15 affected) were prospectively enrolled. Lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs were obtained and six measurements were recorded from C3‐T1. For each vertebral location, intravertebral ratios and intervertebral ratios were calculated from lateral views, and the ratio of the distance between the articular process joints vs. vertebral body width (novel ventrodorsal ratio) was calculated from ventrodorsal views. Values for these three ratios were compared, by vertebral location and dog group. Intravertebral and intervertebral ratios did not differ between dog groups. The ventrodorsal ratio was significantly smaller in affected Great Danes at C5–6 (P = 0.005) and C6–7 (P < 0.001). The ventrodorsal ratio was significantly associated with MRI presence of spinal cord compression. For each 0.1 unit increase in this ratio value, there was a 65% decrease in the odds of spinal cord compression being present at that site, independent of vertebral location (P = 0.002). Findings from this study supported use of the novel ventrodorsal ratio as an initial radiographic screening method for Great Danes with suspected cervical spondylomyelopathy.     

A PROPOSED RADIOGRAPHIC CLASSIFICATION SCHEME FOR CONGENITAL THORACIC VERTEBRAL MALFORMATIONS IN BRACHYCEPHALIC “SCREW‐TAILED” DOG BREEDS

Congenital vertebral malformations are common in brachycephalic “screw‐tailed” dog breeds such as French bulldogs, English bulldogs, Boston terriers, and pugs. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether a radiographic classification scheme developed for use in humans would be feasible for use in these dog breeds. Inclusion criteria were hospital admission between September 2009 and April 2013, neurologic examination findings available, diagnostic quality lateral and ventro‐dorsal digital radiographs of the thoracic vertebral column, and at least one congenital vertebral malformation. Radiographs were retrieved and interpreted by two observers who were unaware of neurologic status. Vertebral malformations were classified based on a classification scheme modified from a previous human study and a consensus of both observers. Twenty‐eight dogs met inclusion criteria (12 with neurologic deficits, 16 with no neurologic deficits). Congenital vertebral malformations affected 85/362 (23.5%) of thoracic vertebrae. Vertebral body formation defects were the most common (butterfly vertebrae 6.6%, ventral wedge‐shaped vertebrae 5.5%, dorsal hemivertebrae 0.8%, and dorso‐lateral hemivertebrae 0.5%). No lateral hemivertebrae or lateral wedge‐shaped vertebrae were identified. The T7 vertebra was the most commonly affected (11/28 dogs), followed by T8 (8/28 dogs) and T12 (8/28 dogs). The number and type of vertebral malformations differed between groups (P = 0.01). Based on MRI, dorsal, and dorso‐lateral hemivertebrae were the cause of spinal cord compression in 5/12 (41.6%) of dogs with neurologic deficits. Findings indicated that a modified human radiographic classification system of vertebral malformations is feasible for use in future studies of brachycephalic “screw‐tailed” dogs.     

RADIOGRAPHIC AND MYELOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF THE CERVICAL VERTEBRAL COLUMN IN 306 ATAXIC HORSES

This study consists of a review of 306 ataxic horses subjected to survey radiography and myelography of the cervical vertebral column. Fifty-eight percent of horses had evidence of compressive spinal cord lesion on myelography. Sixty-six percent of horses were less than 3 years old. Age had no effect on the distribution of spinal cord compressive lesions. No conclusion could be drawn from sex and breed distribution. The most common sites of cord compression on myelography in order of decreasing frequency were C_3–4, C_6–7, C_5–6, and C_4–5. Twenty-nine percent of horses with myelographic evidence of cord compression had multiple compressive sites. Survey radiographs were not reliable to diagnose compressive spinal cord lesions. Myelography was a safe and more accurate procedure. Several factors may result in misinterpretation of the myelographic examination.     

AGENESIS OF THE DISTAL PHALANX IN A MULE

Agenesis of the distal phalanx of a mule foal is documented. The condition was identified when the foal was 14 days old and supported by follow-up radiographs obtained at four months of age.     

LUMBO-SACRAL VERTEBRAL SINUS VENOGRAPHY VIA TRANSJUGULAR CATHETERIZATION IN THE DOG

A technic for percutaneous transjugular catheterization of the median sacral vein (MSV) was developed in the dog. This technic provides a means for visualizing the vertebral sinuses in the lumbo-sacral area. Temporary external occlusion of the caudal vena cava coincident with injection of contrast medium was necessary to get consistent, symmetrical filling of the vertebral sinuses. Dissections confirmed variation in location of the MSV and presence of valves at the terminus of this vessel. Angiograms performed using the seventh lumbar intervertebral vein, cranial gluteal vein, and internal iliac vein were less satisfactory due to incomplete filling of the vertebral sinuses.     

A CONGENITAL MALFORMATION OF THE MAXILLA OF A HORSE

A 1-month-old male American Paint Horse was evaluated for a hard swelling on the right side of the maxillary region. On radiographs there was a large, expansile outpouching of the right maxillary bone between the second and third premolar teeth. Computed tomography further characterized the expansile lesion to have a soft tissue component and to originate in the region of a caudal maxillary tooth. Surgical reconstruction of the defect was unsuccessful and the animal was euthanetized. Based on failure to find histopathologic evidence of a neoplasm or cyst, the diagnosis was a congenital malformation.     

THE EFFECT OF ANGLE SLICE ACQUISITION ON COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC CERVICAL VERTEBRAL COLUMN MORPHOMETRY IN GREAT DANES

Computed tomography (CT) scans can be acquired with the transverse images aligned either parallel to the endplates or perpendicular to the vertebral canal. The purpose of this prospective cross‐sectional study was to determine the effect of angle acquisition on CT morphometric evaluation of the cervical vertebral column of Great Danes with and without cervical spondylomyelopathy. Twenty‐eight Great Danes (13 normal, 15 affected) were sampled. For each dog, a set of CT images was acquired with the transverse slices aligned parallel to the endplates and another one with the transverse images aligned perpendicular to the vertebral canal. For each different set, transverse slices from the cranial, middle, and caudal aspects of the individual vertebral bodies C2‐C7 were measured. Height, width, transverse area, right dorsal to left ventral height (RDLV), and left dorsal to right ventral height (LDRV) were recorded by a single observer at each location. For both affected and control dogs, significant differences between the measurements obtained from the two sets of transverse images were found only at the cranial aspect of the vertebrae (P = 0.005, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.005, and P = 0.010 for height, width, area, RDLV, and LDRV, respectively). Measurements for the middle and caudal aspects did not differ. The funnel‐shape morphology of the cervical vertebral foramina in Great Danes with stenosis of their cranial aspect may be responsible for the significant differences found. Considering that the morphometric parameters were significantly affected by CT slice angle in the current study, authors recommend that a standardized scanning protocol be followed when morphometric evaluations using CT are planned.     

DOPPLER ULTRASONOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS AND ANATOMY OF CONGENITAL INTRAHEPATIC ARTERIOPORTAL FISTULA IN A PUPPY

A dilated, tortuous blood vessel was identified sonographically in the right medial liver lobe in a puppy with severe ascites. This vessel was thought to represent the dilated right medial portal vein branch. Using pulsed wave Doppler ultrasonography, retrograde, abnormally pulsatile flow was detected in both the dilated right medial portal vein branch and the main portal vein. The right medial liver lobe was surgically resected then fixed in formalin. Silicon rubber was injected and outlined the connection between the portal vein and hepatic artery.     

PREVALENCE OF ANATOMICAL VARIATION OF THE SIXTH CERVICAL VERTEBRA AND ASSOCIATION WITH VERTEBRAL CANAL STENOSIS AND ARTICULAR PROCESS OSTEOARTHRITIS IN THE HORSE

The sixth cervical vertebra (C6) has unique morphology due to a ventral extension from the transverse process known as the ventral lamina. Little information was found regarding the prevalence and clinical relevance of morphologic variations. Aims of this observational, retrospective study were to characterize C6 morphologic variations in a large sample of horses. Cervical radiographic studies of 100 horses were retrieved. Data recorded were signalment, clinical history, morphology of the C6 ventral lamina, presence of articular process osteoarthritis, and presence of static vertebral canal stenosis. Morphologic variations were found in C6 vertebrae for 24/100 horses, with symmetric absence of the ventral lamina in nine horses and asymmetric absence in 15. Anomalous C6 vertebrae were more common in Warmbloods, with 19/55 Warmbloods in the population being affected (P = 0.006). No association was found with sex. There was no significant difference in the mean of the intravertebral sagittal ratios between horses with normal or anomalous C6 vertebrae; however there was a significantly greater proportion of horses with anomalous C6 vertebrae that had an intravertebral sagittal ratio of less than 0.5 at C6 (P = 0.047). There was no association between the morphology of C6 and articular process osteoarthritis. Anomalous C6 vertebrae in our population were associated with a higher likelihood of cervical pain (P = 0.013). Authors propose that morphologic variations in the C6 ventral laminae could be linked to other developmental abnormalities such as vertebral canal stenosis, might affect regional biomechanics and should therefore be considered clinically relevant in horses. Future, controlled prospective studies are needed to test this theory.     

DIAGNOSIS OF COMMON CONGENITAL HEART ANOMALIES IN THE DOG USING SURVEY AND NONSELECTIVE CONTRAST RADIOGRAPHY

The most common canine congenital heart anomalies include patient ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonic stenosis, and aortic stenosis. Survey radiography and nonselective (venous) angiography can allow the practicing veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis in many of these patients. Typical radiographic findings using these diagnostic procedures are reviewed. Nonselective angiocardiography is a relatively easy, rapid, and noninvasive procedure which can be performed using conventional equipment. The major disadvantage of this special procedure is that the superimposition of opacified structures can make the identification of some left-to-right shunts difficult. Dilution of contrast medium can occur if a rapid bolus injection is not made.     

CONGENITAL ELBOW SUBLUXATION IN A CAT

Congenital elbow luxations are responsible for 17-20% of nontraumatic lameness of the elbow joint. They are not associated with a growth disorder or trauma. Congenital elbow luxation has been observed in dogs, but no data were found about this condition in cats. In this report, we describe congenital bilateral elbow subluxation in a cat.     

MENSURATION OF CERVICAL VERTEBRAL RATIOS IN DOBERMAN PINSCHERS AND GREAT DANES

Canine cervical vertebral instability is a complex syndrome involving cervical spinal cord compressive lesions. Doberman pinschers and Great Danes are the most commonly affected breeds. Measurements of vertebral canal diameter (VCD), vertebral body height (H), and vertebral body length (L) were made from C3-C7 in 24 Doberman pinschers and 8 Great Danes by using digital and analog techniques. Significant differences between affected and unaffected sites were noted for Doberman pinschers at C6 (P = 0.039) and C7 (P = 0.027) using analog measurements of VCD/H, and Great Danes at C6 using analog (P = 0.041) and digital (P = 0.004) measurements of VCD/L. Cervical vertebral ratios have potential as a breed-specific screening tool for cervical vertebral instability and warrant longitudinal studies.     

RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF THE ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF ADRENAL LESIONS IN 21 FERRETS

Clinical signs and follow-up information were recorded. Histopathologic diagnoses were obtained for 25 adrenal glands in 21 ferrets. Adrenal lesions included ten adenocarcinomas, nine adenomas, one hyperplasia and one cortical cyst. Four adrenal glands (all right-sided) were diagnosed as unspecified adrenal tumors but lacked a definite histopathologic diagnosis (adenoma vs. adenocarcinoma) due to incomplete surgical resection and consequent small sample sizes. Bilateral adrenal lesions were identified in 4 ferrets (19%). Adrenal shape, size, echogenicity, laterality, and the presence of vascular invasion were evaluated with ultrasound. Size and shape were variable and not specific to lesion type. Both benign and malignant adrenal tumors (adenomas, adenocarcinomas) appeared most often as masses with increased thickness and a normal length (11/23), less frequently as larger masses with increased thickness and length (4/23) or as nodules focally deforming the normal adrenal shape (6/23). The only cortical cyst appeared as a nodule. Three adrenal glands had a normal size and shape and were diagnosed as adenomas (2) or hyperplasia (1). Therefore treatment may be warranted based solely on clinical signs if adrenal glands are ultrasonographically normal. Vascular invasion was not identified ultrasonographically. However, focal absence of periglandular fat resulting in contact of 8 adrenal glands with either caudal vena cava (6), aorta (1) or liver (1) identified ultrasonographically, correlated with incomplete surgical resectability (6/8) and histopathologic diagnoses of carcinoma (4/8) or unspecified tumors (4/8). Therefore, a focal absence of periglandular fat between the adrenal gland and the large vessels or liver, deviation or compression of the large vessels by the adrenal lesion may indicate malignancy. Adrenal tumors (benign and malignant) were often associated with a prominent uterus, uterine stump or prostate with or without prostatic cysts.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF ADRENAL GLANDS IN NORMAL FERRETS

The adrenal glands of 20 normal ferrets were imaged with ultrasound. Of the forty glands, only 4 (three right and one left) could not be clearly identified. Mean (±standard deviation) dimensions of the right (7.6 ± 1.8 mm length by 2.6 ± 0.4 mm width) and left (7.2 ± 1.8 mm length by 2.8 ± 0.5 mm width) glands were similar. Both adrenal glands were wider (p<0.05) sonographically in males than females. Measured length and width of the right gland positively correlated (p<0.05) with body weight. The glands had a hypoechoic outer zone and hyperechoic central region, were elongate to avoid in shape and located medial and, variably, at the level of the cranial pole of the ipsilateral kidney. This study demonstrates that normal adrenal glands can be imaged in ferrets.     

RADIOGRAPHIC SENSITIVITY AND NEGATIVE PREDICTIVE VALUE FOR ACUTE CANINE SPINAL TRAUMA

The objectives of this study were to establish the sensitivity and negative predictive value of radiography for acute spinal osseous lesions in the canine trauma patient, and to evaluate the interobserver variability in radiographic assessment of the spine in traumatized dogs. This was a retrospective multiple observer blinded study. The study population included 30 canine patients that presented following acute trauma, with clinical signs attributable to the spinal column. Radiography and computed tomography (CT) were performed in all cases. Radiographic interpretation was performed independently by four observers with different experience levels who were blinded to clinical information (other than trauma) and the CT results. CT studies were interpreted by a further three radiologists who formed a consensus opinion on the presence of specific osseous lesions. Using the CT results as a gold standard, the sensitivities and negative predictive values of radiography for specific osseous lesions were calculated. Interobserver agreement was also evaluated. Radiography was found to have only a moderate sensitivity for fractures (72%) and subluxations (77.5%). Low negative predictive values were found for the presence of vertebral canal narrowing (58%) and fracture fragments within the vertebral canal (51%). Interobserver agreement was only moderate to fair for most lesion types. In conclusion, radiography cannot be used to reliably rule out potentially unstable acute vertebral lesions in the canine trauma patient, and further imaging is therefore often indicated in the patient with a high risk of such injuries.     

CONGENITAL FACIAL INFILTRATIVE LIPOMA IN A CALF

The clinical and pathologic findings related to an infiltrative facial lipoma in a 5-month-old female Holstein Friesian calf are reported. The tumor was congenital, increased in size with time, and deformed the left side of the face and cranial bones. The clinical condition of the calf was good; the only detectable abnormalities were poor weight gain and decreased motility of the left upper lip. Clinical and radiologic data indicated the mass was not removable. Muscle and lymph node invasion by tumor tissue were detected histologically. Infiltrative lipoma is a rare variety of lipoma that has been reported in dogs, cats, horses, and humans. Although its cytologic characteristics are those of a benign tumor, in this patient the invasiveness of the neoplasm was associated with poor prognosis.