Evaluation of the Rabbit Urinary Tract

Urinary tract disease is not an uncommon presentation for pet rabbits. It is beneficial for the veterinarian treating these patients to have a thorough understanding of a rabbit's urogenital anatomy, renal physiology, and diseases that affect the kidney and urinary tract. The evaluation of the rabbit urinary tract requires a multidisciplinary approach including the procurement of a thorough history, signalment, assessment of clinical signs, physical examination, and diagnostic test results. To obtain a definitive disease diagnosis, more intensive diagnostic testing may be required, including contrast radiography, ultrasound evaluation, and histopathological assessment of biopsy samples. This article will provide information to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of rabbit urinary tract diseases.     

Diagnostic radiology of pet and wild birds: a review II. Indications of radiological examination and radiographs of pathological lesions

The second part of the review dealing with the diagnostic radiology of pet and wild birds discusses the indications of radiological examination, the interpretation of radiographs taken of pathological lesions, and the differential diagnosis of such lesions. Radiology has paramount importance in the diagnosis of diseases affecting the skeletal, digestive, respiratory, urogenital and cardiovascular systems. Certain diseases (shortage of grits, ovarian cysts) cannot be recognized without radiography. Other conditions (e.g. Macaw Wasting Disease, renal tumours, egg retention) require this complementary diagnostic method for confirmation of a suspicion based upon the clinical signs. Radiographic examination is also indicated for follow-up of the surgical management of bone fractures and for facilitating the implantation of transponders aimed at individual identification of the birds.     

Sedation of Pet Birds

Sedation of pet birds has become an increasingly popular technique to facilitate common clinical procedures, such as physical examination, blood collection, or radiography. Sedation provides immobilization, reduces vocalization, and attenuates the stress response caused by manual restraint. Midazolam and midazolam-butorphanol are the most commonly used drugs for sedation of pet birds, and they provide dose-dependent sedation with no significant side effects if used at the published dosages. The intranasal route of administration is a noninvasive alternative to intramuscular administration and has been shown to be a safe and effective technique to rapidly induce sedation in pet birds. Reversal with flumazenil should be performed in most cases of midazolam or midazolam-butorphanol induced sedation, in order to achieve rapid and complete recovery.     

Diagnostic ultrasonography in ruminants.

The use of diagnostic ultrasound equipment is becoming widespread within various sectors of veterinary practice. Ultrasonographic examination has several advantages over other imaging modalities and it can be applied in hospital and ambulatory settings. It has the potential for widespread use in the diagnosis of disorders of several body systems in food animal species. This article describes its application to gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, cardiothoracic, urogenital, and umbilical disorders. Normal and abnormal findings are portrayed and discussed. Accurate and timely use of this diagnostic modality requires a modest amount of training and practice, but it allows for relatively rapid, inexpensive, and noninvasive acquisition of clinically relevant data.     

Diagnostic radiology of pet and wild birds: a review. I. Radiographic techniques and radiographs of healthy birds.

By the radiographic examination of pet and wild birds, veterinary clinicians may relatively easily obtain additional information that can be used routinely in their everyday diagnostic and therapeutic work. The first part of the present review summarizes the basic technical conditions of radiological examinations, analyses the radiographic features of healthy birds, and describes the procedure and radiological indications of contrast radiography.     

Diagnostic approach to hematuria in dogs and cats.

Hematuria indicates the presence of urogenital disease in dogs and cats. Persistent hematuria (macroscopic or microscopic) should be evaluated to determine the source of bleeding and the underlying cause so that appropriate treatment can be recommended. Results of the history and physical examination often help to localize disease to the urinary tract (either upper or lower) or genital tract.Additional diagnostic evaluation, including laboratory testing(eg, urinalysis, urine culture), diagnostic imaging (eg, abdominal radiographs, ultrasound), and collection of tissues for cytologic or histopathologic evaluation, may be needed to identify the underlying cause. If a thorough evaluation fails to reveal the source or cause of hematuria, exploratory celiotomy should be considered,especially if idiopathic renal hematuria is possible.     

PET FISH RADIOGRAPHY: TECHNIQUE AND CASE HISTORY REPORTS

Radiography can be used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of pet fish diseases. Handling, restraint and radiographic technique for the radiographic examination of pet fish is described. Quality diagnostic images can be obtained with standard radiographic equipment and radiographic techniques. Fishes with undifferentiated sarcoma, swim bladder herniation and scoliosis are three clinical examples that are described where radiography was used in the management of the patient. Conventional radiography appears to be best for evaluating skeletal and swim bladder diseases. Alternate imaging techniques such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging may enhance the evaluation of coelomic soft tissue structures.     

Ultrasound-guided biopsy

Ultrasound-guided biopsy is a good and feasible technique in dogs. Although we have only used it for biopsy of liver and kidney, it can have further uses. In our use of ultrasound-guided biopsy of kidney and liver, we have found that we can achieve adequate biopsy samples using the Franklin modified Vim-Silverman and Tru Cut biopsy of kidney and liver. The fine-needle biopsies of the liver were adequate for examination of hepatocytes but inadequate to evaluate structure owing to small size of the sample. In contrast, the renal fine-needle samples were both poor in quality and quantity. This technique has the advantages of being noninvasive, quick, and easy, and it can be performed with the patient under local anesthesia. It has an advantage over blind percutaneous biopsy because the needle can be visualized in the organ and the organ scanned after biopsy for possible complications. Another advantage is that, unlike other radiographic biopsy procedures, ionizing radiation is not used for imaging.     

Ultrasound-guided biopsy

Ultrasound-guided biopsy is a good and feasible technique in dogs. Although we have only used it for biopsy of liver and kidney, it can have further uses. In our use of ultrasound-guided biopsy of kidney and liver, we have found that we can achieve adequate biopsy samples using the Franklin modified Vim-Silverman and Tru Cut biopsy of kidney and liver. The fine-needle biopsies of the liver were adequate for examination of hepatocytes but inadequate to evaluate structure owing to small size of the sample. In contrast, the renal fine-needle samples were both poor in quality and quantity. This technique has the advantages of being noninvasive, quick, and easy, and it can be performed with the patient under local anesthesia. It has an advantage over blind percutaneous biopsy because the needle can be visualized in the organ and the organ scanned after biopsy for possible complications. Another advantage is that, unlike other radiographic biopsy procedures, ionizing radiation is not used for imaging.     

Concurrent pathological and bacteriological findings in the urogenital organs and mammary glands of sows culled because of chronic vulvovaginal discharge and swine urogenital disease (SUGD): a case study

The urogenital organs and mammary glands of sows, culled because of excessive vulval discharge, milking problems, and urogenital infections (swine urogenital disease, SUGD) in their history (n=1070 sows) were examined. The culled sows were assigned to three groups according to parity: parity 1 (n=356); 2-6 (n=354); and >6 (n=360). Necropsy findings associated with these groups were analysed separately. Bacteriological examination of vulval discharges was performed. Escherichia coli and a large number of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms were found in all samples of vulval discharge. Except ovarian degeneration and oedematous endometrium, older sows had more (P<0.05) pathological changes in the oviduct, ovaries, and uteri than younger (parity 1) sows. More (P<0.05) parity 1 sows had hyperaemic and congested vaginal walls and haemorrhages into the vaginal lumen than sows of higher parity, which suffered more (P<0.05) from accumulation of purulent material in the vaginal lumen, fibrinopurulent exudate adherent to the wall of the vagina, multifocal vaginal erosions and ulcerations, and purulent, mucopurulent or purulohaemorrhagic exudate in the vagina or on the cervix. Except acute pyelonephritis, mucosal hyperaemia, and congestion of the urinary bladder, more (P<0.05) sows of higher parity had pathological changes in their urinary organs. More (P<0.05) parity 1 sows had acute or chronic purulent exudative mastitis than sows of higher parity, which had more (P<0.05) mammary gland abscessation, mammary gland cysts, and fibrous mastitis. All parity 2-6 and >6 sows had mammary gland and bladder changes, parity >6 sows had changes in the kidney, and renal pelvis, and parity 1 sows had mammary gland changes. Most parity 1 sows had bladder, kidney, and renal pelvis alterations and most parity 2-6 animals had pathological kidney and renal pelvis changes.     

PET AND CAPTIVE BIRDS AS POTENTIAL RESERVOIRS OF ZOONOTIC BACTERIA

Thermophilic Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. are zoonotic bacteria, commonly harbored in the enteric tract of avian species. This survey aimed at verifying the presence of these microorganisms in a heterogeneous Italian population of pet birds and captive birds of prey (e.g., Passeriformes, Psittaciformes, Accipitriformes, Falconiformes, and Strigiformes) that live in close contact with humans. A total of 151 individuals were tested for thermophilic Campylobacter spp. and 444 for Salmonella spp. Six C. jejuni and one S. Livingstone were isolated from birds of prey: 4 Accipitriformes (2 Buteo regalis, 2 Parabuteo unicinctus), 1 Falconiformes (Falco peregrinus) and 1 Strigiformes (Strix aluco) were positive for C. jejuni, and 1 Falconiformes (Falco peregrinus) for S. Livingstone. Five C. jejuni strains were genotyped by Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) and identified as ST 2116, assigned to ST-353 CC. Results of this study suggest that these microorganisms are not common inhabitants of the digestive tract of pet birds and captive birds of prey, but occasional findings. However, as potential reservoirs of zoonotic bacteria, pet birds should be monitored in order to preserve human health.     

Changes in plasma lipid and glucose levels during the onset of fatty liver and kidney syndrome in chics

Plasma glucose, free fatty acid and triglyceride levels were measured during the onset of fatty liver and kidney syndrome in chicks. Intial studies indicated that behavioural and clinical changes characteristically associated with the syndrome were observed only during the 24 h preceding death. A more detailed examination of the blood changes was made on fasted birds. Typically, affected birds could be distinguished from healthy fasted birds by a hypoglycaemia which developed within 2.5 h of the removal of food, and a slightly higher and more sustained elevation of free fatty acid levels. Triglyceride values were not generally different from those found in normal birds. Although moderate to large amounts of lipid were occasionally observed in the kidneys of healthy fasted birds, only in affected birds was significant lipid infiltration of the kidneys associated with a similar level of lipid infiltration of the liver. In extreme cases death from fatty liver and kidney syndrome could occur within 4 h of the removal of food.     

SONOGRAPHIC INVESTIGATIONS OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT OF GRANIVOROUS BIRDS

This article describes the sonographic examination of the normal gastrointestinal tract of granivorous birds. Preliminary tests with dead birds were performed to get an idea of the sonographic echotexture of the avian gastrointestinal tract. Later, clinically healthy seedeaters of different weights were examined sonographically. As equipment a convex microcurved scanner with a particularly small coupling surface and an adjustable frequency from 5.5-7.5 MHz was used. For the investigation of the gastrointestinal tract, six sonographic approaches are described. After a starving time of 18 hours in the granivorous birds and water input, the best sonographic image quality could be obtained. Using this method, the crop, ventriculus, intestines, and cloaca could be demonstrated sonographically; whereas, it was not possible to visualize the normal proventriculus in granivorous birds. In contrast to mammals, the different layers of the wall of the gastrointestinal tract could not be visualized with the equipment used. Motility of individual parts of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), however, could be well demonstrated.     

The susceptibility of chicken kidney and oviduct organ cultures to a vaccine strain of avian infectious bronchitis virus.

The minimal infectious dose of the H52 strain of infectious bronchitis virus for organ cultures of oviduct and kidney was compared in chickens of different ages. Organ cultures of oviduct were found to be highly susceptible to infection regardless of the age of chicken and no difference in susceptibility could be demonstrated between cultures of the magnum and uterus regions of the mature oviduct. Kidney organ cultures were less susceptible and resistance to infection increased significantly (P less than 0.001) with the age of the chicken from which cultures were prepared.     

Abdominal ultrasonography in pet guinea pigs

Ultrasonographic examination of 40 pet guinea pigs was performed in the framework of this study. Preparation of the patient for ultrasonography and the examination procedure are described. Normal ultrasonographic findings of the abdominal organs including the liver, spleen, kidney and urinary bladder are presented and illustrated for the first time in this species. Ultrasonography was found to be a useful investigative tool in the diagnosis of abdominal diseases in guinea pigs. In comparison to other diagnostic methods like physical examination including palpation, haematological examination, radiography and diagnostic laparotomy, ultrasonography offers a rapid, non-invasive and reliable means of diagnosing abdominal diseases in this species.     

COMPARATIVE ULTRASONOGRAPHIC INVESTIGATIONS OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT AND THE LIVER IN HEALTHY AND DISEASED PIGEONS

The use of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in birds has been documented for cardiac, urogenital, and liver disease. However, its use in gastrointestinal tract disease is not defined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the ultrasonographic findings of the intestine and liver of six healthy racing pigeons with those of six racing pigeons with gastrointestinal disease. The echogenicity of the liver was significantly different between the two groups. Pigeons with gastrointestinal disease had less homogeneous liver echogenicity with focal heterogeneous areas and the hepatic blood vessels were visible and dilated. The duodenum was visualized and its mean diameter of 7.2 +/- 0.3 mm in the diseased pigeons was significantly wider (P < or = 0.001) than the 5.7 +/- 0.2 mm in healthy birds. The thickness of the duodenal wall in healthy and diseased pigeons was 1.6 +/- 0.1 and 2.4 +/- 0.1 mm, respectively, and they were significantly different (P < or = 0.001). We defined baseline measurements for the duodenal loop in pigeons and provided evidence that ultrasound can be a useful diagnostic tool for investigating intestinal disease in pigeons.     

Chlamydiae and atherosclerosis: can psittacine cases support the link?

Atherosclerosis is a common disease in pet birds, particularly in psittacines. Little is known about the role of risk factors predisposing birds to this disease. In our study, we tried to detect chlamydiae in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded atherosclerotic tissue from 103 pet birds to clarify their role in atherosclerosis. Methods used were polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing, and immunohistochemistry. Histopathologic examination served to classify the extent of atherosclerotic lesions. In the PCR, 4 (3.9%) of 103 cases, all of them with advanced stages of atherosclerosis, were positive. Subsequent sequence analysis revealed high identities (94%-100%) with Chlamydophila psittaci in three cases. Interestingly, two of these birds came from C. psittaci-infected populations. Because of the low incidence (3.9%), the occurrence only in advanced stages, and the association with C psittaci-infected avian populations, a causal relationship between chlamydiae and atherosclerosis in pet birds is rather improbable.     

Computed tomographic findings of the gastrointestinal tract in rabbits

BackgroundGastrointestinal (GI) diseases are common in rabbits. Although diagnostic imaging studies can assist clinicians in selecting therapeutic approaches, there are few reports of advanced imaging findings in normal rabbits. Computed tomography (CT) is recognized as a useful tool in dogs and cats, but there are few reports of normal findings on multidetector computed tomography (MDTC) in rabbits. The goals of this study are to describe the CT anatomic imaging appearance of the GI tract and their normal variation in healthy pet rabbits and to obtain the normal wall thickness measurements of normal GI tract structures.MethodsTwenty-three rabbits were scanned under general anesthesia and the CT abdominal images were analyzed by two experienced radiologists. Location and size of the major GI organs and structures were determined, and wall thickness of the stomach, small and large intestines were measured, including the interobserver agreement. Statistical analysis of quantitative and qualitative variables was performed.ResultsWall thickness values were established for the different parts of the stomach (cardia: 3.4 ± 0.4mm; fundus: 1.4 ± 0.2mm; body: 1.4 ± 0.1mm; pylorus: 2.9 ± 0.5mm), small intestines (duodenum: 1.4 ± 0.1mm; jejunum: 1.2 ± 0.1mm; ileum: 1.4 ± 0.1mm), and large intestines (cecum: 1.2 ± 0.1mm; colon ascending: 1.4 ± 0.3 mm and descending: 1.3 ± 0.3mm). When distended the stomach did not extend beyond the caudal limits of the L2 vertebra. The cecum occupied the ventral abdominal region from T12/T13 to L7/S1, the sacculus rotundus was identified in 11 of the 23 rabbits. The sacculus rotundus and vermiform cecal appendix were identified only in rabbits with mild large intestinal distension.Conclusions and clinical relevanceIt was possible to use CT to evaluate the different portions of the GI tract that are not normally readily visible on radiographs and ultrasound (US). Normal wall thickness values of the different portion of the GI tract were stablished. These results provide new and important reference values for CT studies in normal pet rabbits and provide data for further studies in rabbits with GI diseases.     

Comparative sensitivities of oviduct and tracheal organ cultures and chicken embryo kidney cell cultures to infectious bronchitis virus

In vitro studies with organ (oviduct and trachea) and chicken embryo kidney cell cultures were attempted to assess the pathogenicity of locally isolated infectious bronchitis virus (IBV-P:120) initially isolated from the oviduct of young chicks. In oviduct cultures infected with IBV, ciliary movements decreased as early as 24 hours postinoculation (PI), and on the 6th day ciliary movements ceased completely. Cytopathic changes were also noticed. Immunofluorescent antigen was detected from 1 to 6 days PI, the maximum being on the 3rd day. The characteristic microscopic changes in the oviduct explants were reduced by 24 hours PI and had completely ceased on the 5th day. Cytopathic effect and immunofluorescent antigen were present from 1 to 8 days PI, being maximum on the 5th day. Histological changes marked by loss of cilia, rounding of the epithelial cells, degeneration, and sloughing were detected from 2 to 8 days PI. Low-embryo-passaged (EP-7) IBV did not produce cytopathic effect on the chicken embryo kidney cell cultures. On the contrary, high-embryo-passaged (EP-14) virus produced cytopathic effect at the third tissue-culture-passage level.