SURVEY OF THE USE OF RADIOGRAPHY VS. ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE INVESTIGATION OF GASTROINTESTINAL FOREIGN BODIES IN SMALL ANIMALS

A question frequently asked by clinicians who are treating small animals suspected of having gastrointestinal foreign bodies is whether one imaging test such as survey radiography or ultrasonography is sufficient to make the diagnosis. A study was undertaken to try and answer this question. Survey abdominal radiography and ultrasonography was performed on 16 small animals (11 dogs, five cats) with clinical signs of an obstruction because of a confirmed gastrointestinal foreign body. The majority of the foreign bodies (14/16) were confirmed by surgical removal and were located in the small intestine. A gastric foreign body was retrieved endoscopically and a colonic foreign body was passed in the feces. Radiographically identifiable foreign bodies were evident in nine animals. Small intestinal overdistension was present radiographically in seven animals. Ultrasonography detected a foreign body in all 16 animals. The foreign bodies were identified by their distal acoustic shadowing and variable degrees of surface reflection. An intestinal perforation was detected sonographically but not radiographically. The value of additional sonographic findings including thickening of the gastrointestinal wall and loss of layering, free peritoneal fluid, and lymphadenopathy in these animals is discussed. The findings in this series suggest that in a small animal with a gastrointestinal foreign body, ultrasonography alone could be used to make the diagnosis and may be a more appropriate choice than survey radiography.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF THE CANINE, FELINE AND EQUINE TONGUE: NORMAL FINDINGS AND CASE HISTORY REPORTS

A submental approach using a 5, 7.5 and 10 MHz mechanical sectorial transducers was used to evaluate the ultrasonographic appearance of the normal and abnormal canine, feline and equine tongue. Seven normal animals were used to characterize the in vivo normal ultrasonographic appearance of the oropharynx. Consistently seen anatomical landmarks included the lingual parenchyma, lingual artery, soft and hard palate interfaces, mandible, basihyoid bone and sublingual musculature. Seven fresh canine, feline and equine cadavers were dissected to confirm the ultrasonographic findings. Seven animals with signs of ptyalism, dysphagia, halitosis and visible lingual lesions were also studied. A foreign body and abscesses secondary to a penetrating wound were detected in a horse. Ultrasound guidance aided surgical dissection, removal of the foreign body and intraoperative drainage of the abscesses. Ultrasound provided valuable non-invasive documentation of the architecture, size and margins of six lingual neoplasms. Ultrasonographic monitoring of the response to the treatment of lingual lesions may be beneficial in the management of patients.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF CERVICAL MASSES IN THE DOG AND CAT

The ultrasonographic appearance of clinically undifferentiated neck masses for which a definitive diagnosis was eventually obtained in nineteen dogs and one cat is presented in this report. Multiple lesions were seen ultrasonographically in 4 dogs and no cervical abnormalities were seen in 2 dogs resulting in 22 lesions in 20 annuals. Of 7 benign lesions, there were 2 patients with reactive lymph nodes from a regional inflammatory process, and 1 patient each with primary pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis, arteriovenous malformation, foreign body granuloma, cellulitis, and hematoma. Of 15 malignant lesions, 7 were thyroid carcinomas, 3 were lymphomas with submandibular and cervical lymph node enlargement, 3 were lymph node enlargements associated with regional metastasis of malignant tumors, one was a leiomyosarcoma and one was a carotid body tumor. One dog with a diffuse soft tissue swelling of the ventral cervical region had only slight asymmetry of the thyroid lobes on ultrasound examination and no abnormalities of the neck at post mortem. A second dog examined with ultrasound 4 months after surgical removal of a carotid body tumor had no evidence of tumor recurrence. Ultrasonographic examination provided information regarding the character of the lesions, the tissue or organ of origin, and invasion into other anatomic structures. Ultrasound examination in conjunction with fine needle or tissue biopsy provided a definitive diagnosis in those animals in which biopsies were performed.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN DOGS AND CATS WITH GASTROINTESTINAL PERFORATION

A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the sonographic features of gastrointestinal (GI) perforation in dogs and cats. Sonographic findings in 19 animals (14 dogs and 5 cats) included regional bright mesenteric fat (19), peritoneal effusion (16), fluid-filled stomach or intestines (12), GI wall thickening (11), presence of free air (9), loss of GI wall layering (9), regional lymphadenopathy (8), reduced GI motility (7), pancreatic changes (4), corrugated intestines (4), presence of a mass (3), presence of a foreign body (3), and mineralization of the gastric wall (1). In 14 patients, "perforation" was listed as a differential diagnosis by the sonographer. Abdominal radiographs and radiographic reports were available for 14 patients. Radiographic findings were decreased serosal detail (12), free air (8), peritoneal contrast medium (1), and suspected foreign body (1). GI perforation was listed as radiographic diagnosis in eight patients, seven of which had evidence of pneumoperitoneum, and one had leakage of contrast material on an upper GI study. In 9/14 patients with radiography, "GI perforation" was listed as a sonographic diagnosis. In three patients in which free air was diagnosed sonographically, radiographs were either not available (2) or the presence of free air was not detected at presentation (1). Peritoneal fluid analysis was performed in nine patients, five of which were identified as septic inflammation, and the remaining four were classified as neutrophilic inflammation with no etiologic agent identified. The histologic or surgical diagnoses were as follows: three intestinal surgical dehiscence; one percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube site leakage; one duodenal adenocarcinoma; one ileocolic lymphoma; one trichobezoar; one ascarid impaction; and one bobby pin foreign body. In the remaining 10 patients, a focal area of gastric/intestinal ulceration or transmural necrosis with perforation was identified without evidence of an underlying cause.     

Percutaneous endovascular retrieval of an intravascular foreign body in five dogs, a goat, and a horse

CASE DESCRIPTION-5 Dogs, 1 goat, and 1 horse underwent percutaneous endovascular retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies between 2002 and 2007. CLINICAL FINDINGS-Foreign bodies were IV catheters in 4 dogs, the horse, and the goat and a piece of a balloon valvuloplasty catheter in 1 dog. Location of the foreign bodies included the main pulmonary artery (1 dog), a branch of a pulmonary artery (4 dogs), the right ventricle (the goat), and a jugular vein (the horse). TREATMENT AND OUTCOME-The procedure of percutaneous endovascular retrieval of the foreign body was easy to perform in all instances. One dog was euthanized 41 days after retrieval because of worsening of another disease process, and 1 dog had abnormal neurologic signs secondary to a brain mass. All other animals were clinically normal during the follow-up period (follow-up duration, 3 to 57 months). None of the animals developed long-term complications secondary to the foreign body retrieval procedure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE-Intravascular foreign bodies that result from catheters or devices used during minimally invasive techniques are rare but may cause substantial morbidity. Percutaneous endovascular retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies was easily and safely performed in the 7 animals reported here. Use of percutaneous endovascular retrieval techniques should be considered for treatment of animals with intravascular foreign bodies because morbidity can be substantially decreased; however, proper selection of patients for the procedure is necessary.     

OSSEOUS METAPLASIA IN THE RENAL PELVIS OF A DOG WITH HYDRONEPHROSIS

A 3-year-old male Sheltie dog was presented with abdominal distension, diarrhea, and vomiting. Hematologic and blood chemistry studies revealed a mild anemia and a few leukocytes in the urine. Radiographic examination was made, and a large mass with calcified trabeculae was present in the ventral right cranial quadrant of the abdomen. Exploratory celiotomy was performed, and a mass identified as the right kidney was removed. The excised kidney was cystic and multiloculated, and contained areas of bone and cartilage. This mass weighed 1120 g and was in excess of ten percent of the dog's body weight. Transitional epithelium can stimulate osseous metaplasia. The presence of both tissues in a biopsy specimen might indicate urinary tract disease.     

THE RADIOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF RETICULAR DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIATION AND TRAUMATIC PERICARDITIS IN BUFFALOES AND CATTLE

Survey radiography is used in diagnosis of different affections in buffaloes and cattle. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of radiography in diagnosis of reticular diaphragmatic hernias and traumatic pericarditis in buffaloes and cattle. The present study was carried out on 69 animals (51 buffaloes and 18 cattle). Reticular diaphragmatic hernias (40 buffaloes, 4 cattle) and traumatic pericarditis (11 buffaloes, 14 cattle) were evaluated. Lateral right-left survey radiography of the thorax was performed. In diaphragmatic hernia, radiography revealed presence of a rounded or vertical oval mass of soft tissue opacity superimposed over the heart. Radiopaque foreign bodies of variable shape and size were seen within the herniated part of the reticulum. The apex of the heart was difficult to visualize. With traumatic pericarditis, survey radiography of the thorax revealed poor differentiation of thoracic contents. The contour of the diaphragm was lost and the cardiac silhouette was obscured. In several animals radiopaque foreign bodies (sewing needles, nails, and pieces of wire) were detected at the level of the heart or in the area connecting the dome of the diaphragm with the heart.     

CONGENITAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL ANOMALIES OF THE GENITALIA OF SLAUGHTERED BULLS

The genital tracts of 968 slaughtered bulls (46% of which were young post-puberal animals) were examined for defects of a congenital or developmental nature. The overall occurrence of such lesions was 7%. These comprised persistent penile frenulum (0.5%), hypospadias (0.3%), detached urethral process (0.4%), testicular hypoplasia (0.2%), cryptorchidism (0.6%), mesonephric duct abnormalities (1.1%) and bulbourethral cysts, fusion and aplasia (3.6%). Segmental aplasia of the mesonephric duct, not previously recorded in the study area, was found in 4 Shorthorn bulls (0.4%); 2 affected animals were from one herd. In 3 cases of hypospadias (2 from one herd), the urethra communicated with the ventral surface of the penis at the junction of the body and glans through a slit-like orifice. The occurrence of defects observed was generally comparable to that found in bull populations elsewhere but elevated occurrence of several defects in particular herds emphasized the need for further study.     

小动物肠道异物性梗阻和出血性胃肠炎诊治的比较研究

小动物肠道异物引起犬肠道梗阻是犬常见肠道疾病之一。在临床上容易和出血性胃肠炎发生混淆。本试验通过一例患犬的病史,结合血常规检查、CRP检查、内窥镜检查,并与出血性胃肠炎鉴别诊断,确定为犬肠道异物性梗阻,并对患犬尝试使用剖腹探查术治疗,术后以消炎、补充营养和体液、修复胃肠道粘膜为主,取得明显的治疗效果。研究结果可为宠物犬肠道异物性梗阻和出血性胃肠炎的鉴别诊治提供可参考的诊治方案。     

Removal of oesophageal foreign bodies in dogs: use of the fluoroscopic method and outcome

The case records of dogs with a diagnosis of oesophageal foreign body were reviewed and the owners of affected dogs contacted by telephone to ascertain whether there had been any long-term adverse sequelae. Case records of admissions between August 1993 and August 1998 were used. There were 65 admissions for this problem during the period. In 61 instances, forceps manipulation orally under fluoroscopic guidance was attempted to remove the foreign body. This was successful in 51 instances. Animals were followed up for a median of 24 months (minimum of four months). Three animals died or were euthanased in hospital. Two further animals died within two weeks of discharge. In the cases for which follow-up was available, 42 were reported to be normal, one animal had a recurrence, one had a voice change and two had occasional coughing. Fluoroscopic-guided forceps retrieval appears to be an effective method of treatment and long-term complications are uncommon.     

The Role of Bronchoscopy in Foreign Body Removal in Dogs and Cats: 37 Cases (2000–2008)

Background: Foreign body aspiration is a differential diagnosis for acute or chronic cough that requires medical or surgical management in animals. Hypothesis: Success of bronchoscopy in airway foreign body removal is dependent on the size of the animal, duration of clinical signs, and location of the foreign body. Animals: Thirty‐two dogs and 5 cats with airway foreign bodies identified at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Methods: Retrospective case study evaluating the role of duration of clinical signs and body size in successful bronchoscopic removal of foreign bodies. In addition, radiographic localization of disease was compared with bronchoscopic identification. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) culture and cytologic findings are reported. Results: Bronchoscopy was successful for removal of airway foreign bodies in 76% of animals (24/28 dogs and 2/5 cats), and in dogs was independent of duration of clinical signs or body size. One‐third of thoracic radiographs lacked distinctive features of an airway foreign body, and therefore radiography was unable to predict the affected site. BAL fluid at the site of the foreign body contained more neutrophils and more often had intracellular bacteria than lavage fluid from a separate site. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Bronchoscopy was successful in removing airway foreign bodies regardless of animal size or long duration of clinical signs. Results of this study confirm the utility of bronchoscopy with lavage in management of suspected foreign bodies, even in the absence of localizing radiographic findings.     

Conjunctivitis and ulcerative keratitis secondary to conjunctival plant foreign bodies in a herd of alpacas (Lama Pacos)

Purpose To describe six cases of conjunctivitis and ulcerative keratitis secondary to plant foreign bodies from weed‐contaminated grass hay which were lodged within the temporal conjunctival fornix in a herd of alpacas. Methods A total of 21 alpacas from the same farm developed blepharospasm and mucopurulent ocular discharge. Six of the 21 were evaluated at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine within a 2‐week period. The six animals evaluated received an ophthalmic examination including slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, fluorescein staining, and topical corneal anesthesia for foreign body removal when necessary. Results Six animals had conjunctivitis characterized by hyperemia and mucopurulent discharge. Five animals had superficial ulcerative keratitis with intense corneal neovascularization and edema. In all cases, the keratitis was located at the temporal limbus. Seven plant foreign bodies were observed and were removed following topical corneal anesthesia in five animals. The plant seeds were identified as three common weed species found in orchard grass hay. Complete resolution of all clinical signs was achieved with foreign body removal and medical therapy. Conclusions Fan‐shaped temporal corneal ulcers may signify the presence of conjunctival foreign bodies in alpacas. Plant foreign bodies should be considered in addition to ocular infection when multiple animals of a herd are affected as outbreaks may occur with weed‐contaminated hay.     

Hoflund syndrome due to anterior functional stenosis in 20 cows

This study gives a comprehensive survey on 20 cows with vagus indigestion due to cranial functional stenosis (failure of omasal transport). The most important clinical findings were distension of the entire lateral abdominal wall on the left side and partially of the right ventral area as well, severely distended rumen, reduced or missing appetite and reduced defaecation. Nine animals had bradycardia. The dominant laboratory findings were increased concentrations of total protein and fibrinogen. Sixteen cows were slaughtered at the clinic. Six of these had signs of peritonitis in the cranial part of the abdomen, which had started from foreign body peritonitis. Six cows had abscesses between reticulum and liver, also starting from a foreign body, one cow had one isolated abscess in the liver and one cow severe fatty degeneration of the liver. In 2 cows no pathological changes could be found on the occasion of slaughter.     

Stomach impaction in ostriches (Struthio camelus): blood chemistry,hematology, and treatment

This study involved 14 ostriches of both sexes between 3 and 24 mo of age. Some hematologic and biochemical parameters were studied in animals with stomach impaction. Clinical examination of the birds revealed anorexia, emaciation, decreased defecation, listlessness, separation from the flock, and recumbence. The total number of leukocytes (10.4 x 10(3) mm3), the concentrations of serum glucose (166 mg/dl), and total protein (2.4 g/dl) decreased; serum creatine phosphokinase (1240 U/L) and alkaline phosphatase (598 U/L) increased; whereas no changes were found in the concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and copper. Medical treatment was initiated in 13 animals; six of them recovered and seven birds died. Necropsy revealed edema, erosions, and hemorrhagic ulcers in the stomach of the dead birds. Foreign bodies such as sand; stone; pieces of wood, glass, and plastic; and metallic objects were encountered in the stomach at the necropsy. In one bird, metallic foreign body was diagnosed and the bird was referred to surgery. Under stress factors, ostriches tend to eat foreign material; therefore, adequate housing, nutrition, and care are crucial in prevention of stomach impaction.     

外源核苷酸营养生理作用研究进展

核苷酸是一类对机体具有重要生理生化功能的营养物质。在正常情况下 ,机体能通过内源途径从头合成足够数量的核苷酸满足机体需要。然而 ,在一些特殊情况下 ,如动物处于快速生长条件下或受到免疫应激、肠道损伤或肝脏机能障碍时 ,机体可能需要补充外源核苷酸。日粮核苷酸可能作为一种条件性必需营养物质 ,在维持机体正常免疫功能、肠道发育和正常肝脏功能方面具有重要营养生理功能。     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF GRASS AWNS IN THE URINARY BLADDER

Grass awns are a common cause of foreign body disease in animals, but little is known about their presence in the lower urinary tract. The ultrasonographic features of grass awns in vivo and in vitro have been described in detail. The purpose of this report is to describe the clinical and sonographic features of grass awns in the urinary bladder of dogs and cats. Three male Yorkshire terriers (one of which was examined twice) and one female domestic short‐haired cat were evaluated for signs of lower urinary tract disease, and an intravesicular grass awn was suspected based on ultrasound examination. The grass awn appeared ultrasonographically as a bladder stone (n=1) or a linear hyperechoic structure (n=4) with or without acoustic shadowing that was easy to identify due to contrast with surrounding urine. The presence of a grass awn within the urinary bladder was confirmed during exploratory surgery. In all patients, the route of entry of the grass awn was thought to have been retrograde migration from the urethral opening. The ultrasonographic appearance of grass awns in the bladder is consistent with that in other tissues.     

Ultrasound-guided retrieval of plant awns

In dogs, surgical removal of plant awns causing a foreign body granuloma or abscess may be challenging. The inability to localize the foreign body during surgical removal often leads to abscess recurrence. In this report, we describe ultrasound-guided retrieval as an alternative to standard surgical retrieval in animals where the plant awn can be identified sonographically. This procedure was used in six dogs with a superficial abscess due to a plant awn, and in all dogs the foreign body was successfully retrieved with Hartmann forceps. No complication was observed and no abscess recurred. Minimally invasive ultrasound-guided plant awn retrieval appears to be a safe effective method of retrieving superficially located plant awns in the dog.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—USE OF RADIOGRAPHY,COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY,AND ENDOSCOPY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ESOPHAGEAL PERFORATION BY AN EXTRA‐LUMINAL TRACHEAL RING PROSTHESIS IN A GOLDEN RETRIEVER

A 6‐year‐old neutered male, Golden retriever presented with regurgitation and excitement‐induced coughing. Two years prior, extra‐thoracic tracheal collapse was diagnosed and extra‐luminal tracheal ring prostheses were placed. Radiographs at presentation showed mineralized and undulant cervical tracheal cartilages. A dorsally broad‐based soft tissue opacity bulged into the caudal cervical tracheal lumen. Esophageal dysmotility and barium accumulation were identified at this level on contrast esophography. Computed tomography showed migration of a prosthetic tracheal ring, resulting in perforation of the esophagus. Hair, foreign material, and dynamic tracheal narrowing were identified on esophagoscopy and tracheoscopy, respectively. Esophagostomy and foreign body removal were performed.     

家畜经穴循经特性的研究

本实验采用脉冲电流法和叩听高音法在动物皮肤表面沿背中线的垂线作各个水平的扫描测定在12只绵羊、10只山羊、3只北京白猪、10只小香猪、11只家猫和7头驴体上的测定结果表明,不同种属动物的背部体表(从百会穴垂线水平至肩胛后缘)每侧均存在有两条低电阻线和叩听高音线,它们均与背中线平行,左右两侧呈对称分布,而且相对稳定。它们距背中线的距离因动物大小而定,叩听高音线与低电阻线基本重合,且其在体表的循行路线与传统经络基本相吻合。并在猪、猫背部扫描对所记录的低阻电流变化曲线与高音量变化曲线相一致,表明经络除具有上还低电阻特性外,还具有叩听高音的特性,由之进一步证明了经络在动物体上存在的客观性。同时,我们应用脉冲电流经络电阻测定仪,在驴体上进行了十二经脉体表循行线低阻抗特性的初步探测,结果表明,在驴体表存在有十二条低电阻线,其基本稳定,而且可以重复测出,它们在体表的循行路线与有关资料所描述的马的经络循行路线大部分相吻合。通过对家兔抢风穴的测试,证明穴位点电阻值低于周围非穴位点,当动物处于抑制状态时虽二者的电阻值均有下降,但穴位点电阻值低于非穴位点的特性未能改变。循经加压阻滞有抑制激光作用于穴位使痛阈提高的效应等,说明激光照射穴位所引起的信号,具有循经传导     

A COMPARISON OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND RADIOGRAPHY FOR THE DETECTION OF SMALL AMOUNTS OF FREE PERITONEAL FLUID IN THE DOG

The detection of small amounts of free peritoneal fluid in the canine patient can be a diagnostic dilemma. Ultrasonography and radiography have been advocated to detect intraabdominal fluid not detectable by physical exam. The purpose of this study was to determine the more sensitive method for detecting small amounts of free peritoneal fluid. Ultrasound examinations and radiographs were performed after increments (1 ml/lb body weight) of fluid were injected intraperitoneally. Ultrasonography detected fluid in one animal at 2 ml/lb. AH other animals had fluid detected at 3 ml/lb. With radiographs fluid could be detected with a high degree of accuracy at 4 ml/lb. The lateral view was more accurate than the ventrodorsal view in detecting fluid. The authors concluded that Ultrasonography is more sensitive than radiography and is the method of choice to detect small amounts of free peritoneal fluid.