Morphological assessment of cat kidneys using computed tomography

There are numerous publications about feline renal imaging information; however, none have established reference values for kidney size using computed tomography (CT). This study aimed to determine renal size and shape as well as the morphology of renal‐related structures in clinically normal cats (Felis catus) that underwent CT. Twenty‐seven healthy cats underwent pre‐ and post‐iodinated contrast‐enhanced CT. Most cat (59%) kidneys were located at the same level. The average pre‐contrast dimensions of the left kidney included a width of 2.46 ± 0.28 cm, a length of 3.52 ± 0.44 cm and a height 2.19 ± 0.31 cm, whereas those of the right kidneys were 2.45 ± 0.27 cm, 3.54 ± 0.46 cm and 2.05 ± 0.23 cm, respectively. After contrast enhancement, kidneys were slightly enlarged though not significantly. Additionally, renal length (LK or RK) was compared with second lumbar vertebra (L2) length and abdominal aorta diameter (AO). AO was significantly larger in male cats whereas L2 length appeared longer in male cats, but was not statistically different from the female cats. The LK/L2 and RK/L2 ratios were 2.29 ± 0.23 and 2.36 ± 0.20, respectively, and the LK/AO and RK/AO were 11.72 ± 1.37 and 12.05 ± 1.47, respectively. Renal vessels were examined. The renal vein was obviously larger than the renal artery, and paired renal veins were observed periodically. This study provides CT information about the feline kidney, which may help to establish reference values and information regarding renal structure prior to surgery in practice.     

Comparison of radiographic and computed tomographic acetabular index in small-breed dogs: a preliminary study using Maltese and Shih Tzu

BackgroundThe morphometry of the acetabulum is one source of information that assists in the clinical diagnosis of the hip and influences the proper selection of a prosthesis, reducing post-operative complications such as those seen in total hip replacement (THR). However, acetabular parameters in small-breed dogs are rarely reported.ObjectivesTo investigate acetabular parameters using radiography and computed tomography (CT) in small-breed dogs with Maltese and Shih Tzu dogs used as model breeds.MethodsStandard calibrated, extended hip radiographs and CT images were obtained. Subsequently, acetabular width (AW) in various directions was measured using radiography and CT, whereas acetabular depth (AD) was obtained by CT. Acetabular index (AI) is a ratio calculated from AD and AW.ResultsThe values of AW and AD were much higher in Shih Tzu than in Maltese dogs. Male Shih Tzus showed higher values of these parameters than females, while sex-based differences in most of the parameters could not be detected in Maltese. Body weight, but not age, influenced AWs and ADs. While AWs and ADs were influenced by several factors, AI was comparable among the assessed factors and between Maltese and Shih Tzu dogs (p = 0.172; 31.42 ± 1.35 and 32.60 ± 1.80, respectively). Also, AI did not vary with breed, sex, or body size.ConclusionsThe obtained radiographic and CT acetabular parameters could be useful as guidelines for evaluating the acetabulum of small-breed dogs in clinical practice.