EFFECTS OF METHIMAZOLE ON THYROID GLAND UPTAKE OF 99MTC-PERTECHNETATE IN 19 HYPERTHYROID CATS

Nineteen cats with abnormally high serum T4 concentrations underwent thyroid scintigraphy using technetium-99m pertechnetate (99mTcO4) before and after 36 +/- 6 days of methimazole administration (approximately 2.5mg PO q 12 h). Thyroid-to-salivary gland ratios (T:S ratios) and percentage thyroidal uptake of injected radioactivity at 20 and 60min after injection of 99mTcO4 were compared before and after methimazole treatment. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration was measured before and after methimazole treatment. Quantitatively, there was a positive association between the thyroid uptake of 99mTcO4 and the serum T4 before treatment (r = 0.74-0.83). TSH suppression was present when cats were first evaluated for hyperthyroidism. Methimazole treatment did not relieve TSH suppression in 17 cats. Two cats with unilateral thyroid uptake developed bilateral, asymmetric thyroid uptake of 99mTcO4 after treatment and had the greatest increase in TSH concentration after treatment. Quantitatively, thyroid scintigraphy did not significantly change after methimazole treatment (P>0.1). Evaluation of serum TSH concentration may be helpful in identifying methimazole-induced changes in the scintigraphic features of hyperthyroidism in mildly hyperthyroid cats.     

COMPARISON BETWEEN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AND 99m TC‐ PERTECHNETATE SCINTIGRAPHY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE THYROID GLAND IN CATS WITH HYPERTHYROIDISM

Scintigraphy is currently the reference standard for diagnosing feline hyperthyroidism; however, computed tomography (CT) is more widely available in veterinary practice. The purposes of this prospective study were to describe the CT appearance of thyroid glands in cats with hyperthyroidism and compare CT findings with findings from ^99mTc–pertechnetate scintigraphy. Twenty‐five adult hyperthyroid cats were included. Plain CT images were acquired for each cat and the following characteristics recorded for each thyroid lobe: visibility, delineation, position, attenuation, shape, and subjective size. Scintigraphic images were also acquired and the following characteristics recorded: radiopharmaceutical uptake, delineation, ectopic foci, shape, and subjective size. In CT images, thyroid lobes were most commonly found between the second and fourth cervical vertebrae, dorsolateral to the trachea. Affected thyroid lobes (based on scintigraphy reference standard) were most commonly oval and moderately enlarged in CT images. A heterogeneous attenuation pattern (isoattenuating to adjacent soft tissues with hypo‐ and hyperattenuating foci) was most commonly found in affected thyroid lobes. A positive correlation (P < 0.01) was identified between CT and scintigraphy for left‐to‐right thyroid lobe size relationship and subjective size of the larger thyroid lobe. The CT estimated mass was significantly higher (median = 148.8; range = [0;357.6]) for the more active thyroid lobe compared to the less active thyroid lobe (median = 84.6; range = [0;312.3]); (W = 154; P < 0.01). Findings indicated that CT may not reliably differentiate unilateral vs. bilateral hyperthyroidism in cats; however, CT may be a reliable alternative test for correctly identifying the more active thyroid lobe.     

SUSPECTED DRUG-INDUCED THROMBOCYTOPENIA ASSOCIATED WITH LEVAMISOLE THERAPY IN A DOG

The development of petechial haemorrhages was observed in a dog being treated with levamisole hydrochloride for dirofilariasis. Thrombocytopenia and evidence of depressed thrombocyte production were apparent concurrently. The dog recovered without specific therapy.     

PRE‐ AND POSTTREATMENT ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF THE THYROID GLAND IN HYPERTHYROID CATS

Ultrasonography is useful for assessing the morphology of the thyroid gland in hyperthyroid cats. Our aim was to describe the ultrasonographic changes of the thyroid gland in hyperthyroid cats after ¹³¹I therapy. Ultrasonography was performed in 15 hyperthyroid cats at initial presentation and 6 months after ¹³¹I using a multifrequency linear transducer set at 12 MHz. The following criteria were evaluated: length, width, height, volume, shape, homogeneity, and vascularity, using Power Doppler. Pretreatment, 10 cats had bilaterally abnormal thyroid lobes, four cats one abnormal lobe with the contralateral lobe being normal or reduced in size, and one cat with one normal lobe and one lobe not visible. Six months after ¹³¹I therapy, there was a reduction in median volume from 819 to 210 mm³, reduced rounding, reduced heterogeneity, and decreased vascularity. In conclusion, ultrasonography may be used to monitor thyroid changes in order to assess ¹³¹I treatment response. Further studies are necessary to determine whether ultrasonography could contribute to the detection of a relapsing course of hyperthyroidism.     

ASSESSMENT OF SENTINEL LYMPH NODE METASTASIS IN CANINE MAMMARY GLAND TUMORS USING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC INDIRECT LYMPHOGRAPHY

In the staging process of the breast cancer, demonstrating metastasis of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) has an important prognostic value, in both humans and animals. The aim of this prospective case‐control study was to determine the diagnostic value of computed tomographic indirect lymphography (CT‐LG) for detecting SLN metastasis in dogs with mammary cancer. Thirty‐three female dogs with tumors in the abdominal and inguinal mammary glands were prospectively selected and subjected to CT‐LG, 1 and 5 min after injection of 1 ml of contrast agent (iopamidol) in the subareolar tissue of the neoplastic and the contralateral normal mammary glands. The pattern of postcontrast opacification, degree of postcontrast enhancement, and size and shape were assessed in 65 SLNs in total and were correlated with histopathological findings. The absence of opacification or heterogeneous opacification 1 min after contrast medium injection showed the highest sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (93%, 100%, and 98.4%, respectively). In images taken 1 min after injection, an absolute density value lower than 444 Hounsfield units (HU) in the center of the SLN also provided significant sensitivity and specificity (93.8% and 75%, respectively). The size and shape of the SLN (maximum and minimum diameter, maximum/minimum diameter ratio, maximum diameter/height of fifth thoracic vertebral body ratio) showed the lowest sensitivity and specificity. Results of this study support the hypothesis that CT‐LG could help in the assessment of SLN metastasis in cases of mammary gland tumors in dogs.     

IMAGING OF A CAT WITH PERIRENAL PSEUDOCYSTS

A 16-year-old, neutered male, domestic short hair cat had abdominal distension and systemic hypertension. Radiography, ultrasonography, excretory urography, and renal scintigraphy were performed to establish the diagnosis and implement appropriate treatment. Bilateral perirenal pseudocysts were confirmed surgically and histopathologically. Following bilateral renal capsulectomy, systemic hypertension decreased and global glomerular filtration rate improved to normal limits. Multiple imaging modalities helped establish the diagnosis and guided implementation of appropriate treatment.     

USE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AND RADIOLABELED LEUKOCYTES IN A CAT WITH PANCREATITIS

The normal feline pancreas has been evaluated using radiolabeled leukocytes (99mTc-HMPAO) and computed tomography. The purpose of this report is to describe a clinical case where both modalities were utilized to assess the inflamed feline pancreas. A nine year old female cat presented with anorexia, depression and some vomiting. Blood values were unremarkable. Radiographs and ultrasound were suggestive of pancreatitis. The cat's leukocytes were separated and labeled according to an established protocol. Whole body images were acquired immediately, at 5 and 30 min, and at 1, 2, 4, and 17 hours post injection. Approximately 48 h later, the animal was anesthetized and computed tomography of the abdomen was preformed both pre and post contrast. Surgical biopsies were taken. The distribution of the WBCs was similar to that documented in normal animals, however, at 2 h there was faint uptake seen in the region of the pancreas. This uptake became more intense at 4 h and persisted at 17 h. Computed tomography showed irregular margination of the pancreas, it was larger than normal and inhomogeneous. Contrast enhancement was inhomogeneous and its peak enhancement was not reached until 10 min post injection; normal feline pancreas enhances homogeneously and peaks immediately. Histopathology confirmed pancreatitis with lymphocytic, plasmacytic, neutrophilic and eosinophilic inflammation and fibrosis. Radiolabeled leukocytes can be used to document pancreatic inflammation and this is best seen 4 h after injection. Computed tomography allows superior visualization of the pancreas. Both the appearance and contrast enhancement pattern of the inflamed pancreas differ from normal.     

CROSSED RENAL ECTOPIA WITH FUSION IN A CAT

In humans, crossed renal ectopia is a rare, usually asymptomatic, congenital malpositioning of the kidneys, involving wandering of one or both embryonic kidneys across the midline and usually fusion with its contralateral partner. This is the first report of crossed renal ectopia in the cat. A 7-year-old, neutered male cat was presented with polyuria, polydipsia, and a palpable abdominal mass. Diagnostic investigations, including clinical pathology, survey and contrast radiography, and ultrasonography, confirmed the presence of an ectopic left kidney fused with an orthotopic right kidney, with concurrent renal failure and hypertension. Many features of crossed renal ectopia in this cat are similar to those described in humans, however the vascular supply, the presence of renal failure, and the axial rotation of the fused kidney are atypical.     

DISSEMINATED HISTOPLASMOSIS WITH OSSEOUS LESIONS IN A CAT WITH FELINE LYMPHOSARCOMA

A cat was presented with a non-weight-bearing lameness of the left thoracic limb, painful joints and lymphadenopathy. Marked bilateral osteolysis of the distal radial and ulnar metaphyses was detected radiographically. A post mortem diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis and feline lymphosarcoma was made.     

回—直肠吻合猪钠和钾的消化与代谢

本研究用4头12周龄 ,体重32kg 左右的回—直肠吻合阉公猪 ,测定了回—直肠吻合术后第4、第9、第11、第13、第18周日粮中钠和钾的消化率和代谢率。结果为 :①回—直肠吻合术后第4周～第18周 ,钠的消化率和代谢率都较稳定 ,差异不显著(P>0.05) ,分别稳定在23.11 %和21.38 % ,表明在本试验条件下 ,荷术猪对日粮中钠的消化和代谢处于一个稳定的状态 ;②术后第4周～第18周 ,钾的消化率和代谢率均呈下降趋势 ,钾的消化率从术后第4周的32.72 %下降至术后18周的1.46 % ,钾的代谢率则相应地从30.46 %下降至 -0.77 % ,表明在本试验条件下 ,回—直肠吻合荷术猪体内钾的消化与代谢随着术后时间的延长存在一定的变化     

EVALUATION OF QUANTITATIVE THYROID SCINTIGRAPHY FOR DIAGNOSIS AND STAGING OF DISEASE SEVERITY IN CATS WITH HYPERTHYROIDISM: COMPARISON OF THE PERCENT THYROIDAL UPTAKE OF PERTECHNETATE TO THYROID‐TO‐SALIVARY RATIO AND THYROID‐TO‐BACKGROUND RATIOS

Thyroid scintigraphy is commonly used for evaluation of cats with hyperthyroidism, with the thyroid‐to‐salivary ratio (T/S) being the most common method to quantify the degree of thyroid activity and disease. Calculation of thyroid‐to‐background ratios (T/B) or percent thyroidal uptake of ^99mTcO^?₄ (TcTU) has only been reported in a few studies. The purpose of this prospective, cross‐sectional study was to evaluate a number of quantitative scintigraphic indices as diagnostic tests for hyperthyroidism, including the T/S, three different T/B, TcTU, and estimated thyroid volume. Of 524 cats referred to our clinic for evaluation of suspected hyperthyroidism, the diagnosis was confirmed (n = 504) or excluded (n = 20) based on results of a serum thyroid panel consisting of thyroxine (T₄), triiodothyronine (T₃), free T₄ (fT₄), and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations. In the hyperthyroid cats, median values for TcTU, T/S, and three T/B ratios were all significantly higher (P < 0.001) than values in euthyroid suspect cats or clinically normal cats. All scintigraphic parameters were relatively sensitive and specific as diagnostic tests for hyperthyroidism, but the T/S ratio had the highest test accuracy. The T/S ratio correlated strongly with the TcTU (r = 0.85). However, the TcTU had a higher and more significant correlation (P < 0.01) with serum T₄ (r = 0.76 vs. 0.64), T₃ (r = 0.77 vs. 0.64), and estimated thyroid volume (r = 0.62 vs. 0.38). Overall, calculation of TcTU is an accurate diagnostic test, but also appears to be the best parameter to predict the functional volume and metabolic activity of the feline adenomatous thyroid gland.     

复方氯化钠散防治仔猪高气温运输应激的机理研究

本试验以４个月龄中国实验用小型猪７头为实验动物，用放射免疫分析和生化分析法，探讨服用复方氯化钠散对仔猪高气温（３０～３３℃），持续４ｈ运输应激的防治作用及其机理。结果服用复方氯化钠散使高气温送输小型猪血清总蛋白含量增加（Ｐ＜０．０１），血清尿素氮（ＢＵＮ）下降（Ｐ＜０．０５），使血清肌酸激酶（ＣＫ）、乳酸脱氢酶（ＬＤＨ）、天门冬氨酸转氨酶（ＡＳＴ）、血清皮质醇和血液乳酸含量，在整个实验过程中变化不大（Ｐ＞０．０５）。表明复方氯化钠散可通过这些途径或方面，对仔猪高气温运输应激产生防治作用。     

FATAL VENOUS AIR EMBOLISM IN A CAT WITH A RETROPHARYNGEAL DIVERTICULUM

A cat with a 1-year history of oropharyngeal foreign bodies was diagnosed with a pharyngeal diverticulum. The cat experienced fatal cardiac arrest during endoscopy, and postmortem radiographs and ultrasound revealed venous air embolism. Venous air embolism is uncommonly reported in veterinary medicine, but is a risk during any procedure that introduces air into a body cavity. Precautions should be taken during these procedures to help minimize the risk of adverse events.     

INFLAMMATORY POLYP IN THE MIDDLE EAR WITH SECONDARY SUPPURATIVE MENINGOENCEPHALITIS IN A CAT

A 15-month-old male Maine Coon Cat presented with persistent auricular discharge and progressive head tilt, ataxia, and loss of blink on the right side. Using computed tomography a hyperattenuating, contrast-enhancing material within a thickened right tympanic bulla and contrast enhancement of the adjacent cerebellum were identified. Marked suppurative inflammation was identified on cerebrospinal fluid analysis with no growth on bacterial culture. Ventral bulla osteotomy was performed to remove a soft tissue mass, and an inflammatory polyp with chronic severe suppurative inflammation was confirmed using histology. Staphylococcus auricularis was grown on aerobic culture and Fusobacterium necrophorum and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius were grown on anaerobic culture. The cat was treated for 10 weeks with amoxicillin/clavulinic acid and metronidazole. Dramatic improvement in body weight, appetite, energy level, balance, and resolution of right-sided facial paralysis were noted, but the cat retained a head tilt.     

BALLOON DILATATION OF NASOPHARYNGEAL STENOSIS IN A CAT

A cat was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal stenosis on the basis of clinical signs, survey and contrast radiography, endoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging. The condition was successfully managed with repeated balloon dilatation.     

UPTAKE OF 99mTCMDP IN MUSCLE ASSOCIATED WITH A PERIPHERAL NERVE BLOCK

A focal area of increased uptake of radioactivity was observed in muscle during bone imaging with ^99mTcMDP. The area was previously the site of a peripheral nerve block with mepivacaine hydrochloride. Additional experiments were done to document the action of the local anesthetic. The effect on uptake decreased over several days.     

IATROGENIC BILOMA (BILIARY PSEUDOCYST) IN A CAT WITH HEPATIC LIPIDOSIS

An eight-year-old neutered female domestic longhair cat was presented with icterus and a palpable cranial abdominal mass. The cat had undergone an open biopsy of the liver two years previously. Abdominal radiographic findings included a solitary soft tissue mass originating from the right cranial hepatic region. An anechoic cystic structure was identified on ultrasound examination. Surgical exploration revealed the cyst to be filled with bile. The fibrous capsule of the cyst originated in the liver. Severe hepatic lipidosis was also present. It is believed that the bilorna was a complication of the previous hepatic biopsy and not a sequela of hepatic lipidosis.     

CISTERNOGRAPHY COMBINED WITH LINEAR TOMOGRAPHY FOR VISUALIZATION OF THE PITUITARY GLAND IN HEALTHY DOGS A Comparison with Computed Tomography

Cisternography combined with linear tomography was performed in ten clinically healthy dogs (weighing 14-33 kg) to visualize the pituitary gland, and results were compared with the results from sagittal midline computed tomography (CT) in these dogs. With cisternography, the length of the pituitary gland of nine dogs ranged from 5.7 to 9.9 mm (mean ± SD, 7.9 ± 1.3), and the width from 5.4 to 8.7 mm (6.4 ± 1.0). With sagittal linear tomography following cisternography, the height of the pituitary gland of these nine dogs ranged from 4 to 6 mm (5.1 ± 0.7); and, with sagittal CT, it ranged from 4.3 to 6 mm (5.0 ± 0.6). In an 11-year-old female Greyhound, two small nodules were found at the periphery of the pituitary gland using cisternography but were not recognized on CT images. It is concluded that cisternography combined with linear tomography is a safe and accurate alternative for the visualization of the pituitary gland when CT is not available.     

太湖鹅松果体的组织细胞结构研究

在光镜和电镜水平下对太湖鹅松果体组织结构和细胞结构进行研究，结果表明，鹅松果体主要由松查体细胞组成，其间夹有少数胶质细胞，松果体细胞偶尔排列为滤泡状，松果体细胞具有突起，胞核椭圆形，胞核椭圆形，圆形，线粒体常在胞附近集聚，粗面内质网丰富，高尔基体发达，胞质中有散在的游离核蛋白体，脂滴和溶酶体，胞突中微管方向与胞突平行，胞体中方向不一,质细胞的胞核不规则，胞体和胞突中含有微丝。