RELATIONSHIP AMONG BASILAR ARTERY RESISTANCE INDEX, DEGREE OF VENTRICULOMEGALY, AND CLINICAL SIGNS IN HYDROCEPHALIC DOGS

Forty-four transcranial Doppler ultrasound studies were performed in 36 dogs. The ratio of the height of the ventricle to the height of the brain (VB ratio) was calculated to determine the severity of ventriculomegaly. Resistance index (RI) was calculated from Doppler measurements of the blood flow velocity in the basilar artery and neurologic signs were scored on a scale of 0 to 3. Based on clinical and ultrasonographic findings, dogs were divided into four groups (normal controls, asymptomatic hydrocephalus, symptomatic hydrocephalus, and other intracranial disease). RI and VB ratio were compared between the groups of dogs and compared with neurologic signs in hydrocephalic dogs. RI ranged from 0.50 to 0.81 (mean, 0.68). Resistance index was significantly higher in dogs with symptomatic hydrocephalus and other intracranial disease when compared with the other two groups. The degree of ventriculomegaly was significantly higher in dogs with symptomatic hydrocephalus than the other groups, but there was substantial overlap between asymptomatic and symptomatic hydrocephalus groups. Combining measurements of VB ratio and RI allowed detection of symptomatic hydrocephalus with a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 94%. The severity of neurological signs was significantly correlated with RI and with VB ratio in hydrocephalic dogs, and in dogs evaluated on more than one occasion, changes in neurologic status were accompanied by changes in RI but not in VB ratio. All asymptomatic hydrocephalic dogs with a VB ratio of greater than 60% eventually developed neurologic signs. Our results suggest that ultrasonographic measurement of VB ratio and basilar artery RI may allow identification of dogs with symptomatic hydrocephalus or dogs that are at risk of developing symptomatic hydrocephalus. Repeated RI measurements are a useful means of monitoring dogs with a variety of intracranial diseases.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF JEJUNAL LYMPH NODES IN DOGS WITHOUT CLINICAL SIGNS OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASE

The jejunal lymph nodes of 57 dogs without clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease were examined to characterize their ultrasonographic appearance on B-mode and power Doppler examination, and to obtain ultrasonographic measurements. The lymph nodes were mildly hypoechoic to the mesentery in 71% of dogs and isoechoic in 29%. All dogs, 6 years of age or older had jejunal lymph nodes of uniform echogenicity. In dogs less than 6 years of age, nonuniform lymph nodes with different echopatterns were observed. Although most lymph nodes had no blood flow based on power Doppler examination, hilar blood flow was detected in 33% of dogs, which were generally less than 2 years of age. The median maximum thickness of the jejunal lymph nodes was 3.9 mm (range 1.6–8.2 mm), and their median maximum width 7.5 mm (range 2.6–14.7 mm). There was a significant correlation between larger lymph node diameter and younger age and higher body weight. We concluded that patient age should be considered when interpreting the echopattern and vascularity of jejunal lymph nodes in dogs, and that the jejunal lymph nodes of dogs without clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease may exceed the previously stated upper limit of 5–6 mm thickness.     

CORRELATION OF RADIOGRAPHIC, ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC, AND ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC SIGNS OF LEFT HEART ENLARGEMENT IN DOGS WITH MITRAL REGURGITATION

Thoracic radiographs of 40 dogs with mitral regurgitation were evaluated for signs of left heart enlargement and classified into three groups based on the degree of left atrial enlargement (mild = group A, moderate = group B, and severe = group C). Echocardiographic enlargement ratios were calculated for the left atrium (LAE_echo), the left ventricle (LVE_echo), and the aorta (AOE_echo) by dividing the measured dimension with the expected dimension normalized for body weight. The incidence of LVH patterns and p-mitrale was recorded on electrocardiograms. With advanced stages of the disease, there was good agreement of the radiographs and echocardiograms with significant differences of the left atrial enlargement ratio between groups. Nine of the 16 dogs from groups A and B, however, had LAE_echo ratios within the normal range. Sixteen dogs with radiographic signs of left ventricular enlargement had normal LVEecho ratios. These disagreements were interpreted as either cardiac enlargement not manifest in the dimensional change measured by the echocardiogram or as overreading of radiographs. The left ventricular wall thickness did not vary significantly between groups. The incidence of p-mitrale was 30%, but this ECG abnormality, when present, reliably identified enlarged left atrial dimensions. Left ventricular hypertrophy patterns of the ECG did not correlate with either the radiographic diagnosis of left ventricular enlargement or the echocardiographic enlargement ratios.     

普通级比格犬蠕形螨病的流行病学及临床症状观察

对２９只普通级比格犬的蠕形螨病进行了流行病学及临床症状观察，结果发现该品种犬蠕形螨病的发生具有明显的家族聚集性，怀孕和哺乳犬以及较多发病，病变均从下腹部开始，并迅速蔓延到胸腹部、下颌、面部、四肢至全身，病变部位与健康部位界线不明显。病变部位的小丘疹以毛囊为中心，感染化脓后内含大量蠕形螨的成虫、幼虫和虫卵，同时也可以查到大量的葡萄球菌、链球菌和杆菌，病犬一般无瘙痒症状。     

CLINICAL AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SALIVARY MUCOCELES IN 13 DOGS

Salivary mucocele is one of the causes of submandibular swelling in dogs and is due to a collection of mucoid saliva that has leaked from a damaged salivary gland. The purpose of this case series report was to describe the clinical and ultrasonographic characteristics of confirmed salivary mucoceles in 13 dogs admitted to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Cairo University. The final diagnosis of salivary mucocele was based on aspirate cytology for all dogs and additional surgical excision for seven dogs. For dogs admitted from 2 weeks to 1 month from the onset of clinical signs, the cervical mucocele appeared as a round echogenic structure with a large volume of central anechoic content. The wall was a clearly identified hyperechoic structure surrounding the gland. For dogs admitted between 1 to 2 months from the onset of clinical signs, the volume of anechoic material appeared less than that seen in the acute cases. The overall appearance of the salivary mucocele was heterogenous. For dogs admitted after 2 months from the onset of clinical signs, the salivary mucocele appeared grainy or mottled, with a heterogenous appearance and a further decrease in anechoic content. For one dog that presented after 3 months from the onset of clinical signs, the salivary mucocele was hard on palpation and appeared hyperechoic with distal acoustic shadowing. Findings from this study indicated that ultrasonographic characteristics of salivary mucoceles in dogs vary depending on the chronological stage of the disease.     

THE EFFECTS OF AGE AND DIET ON THE ABSORPTION OF LEAD FROM THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT OF DOGS

SUMMARY Two groups of young growing dogs (one group maintained on balanced commercial diet and the other on high-fat-low-calcium diet) and one group of adult dogs on balanced commercial diet were given lead orally at 4 different dose levels. Post-treatment blood lead levels did not reveal any significant difference between the young and adult dogs maintained on balanced commercial diet. However, dogs on the high-fat-low-calcium diet showed marked elevation in blood lead at each of the 4 dose levels used. The results emphasise the importance of dietary factors in absorption of lead from the alimentary tract and suggest that the influence of age on lead uptake from the gut requires further evaluation.     

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF RENAL PELVIC DILATATION ON ULTRASOUND IN DOGS AND CATS

Renal pelvic dilatation is often recognized sonographically in dogs and cats, but ranges of measurements expected with different urologic conditions remain unknown. Ultrasound images of 81 dogs and 66 cats with renal pelvic dilatation were reviewed, and six groups were formed based on medical records: (I) clinically normal renal function, and (II) clinically normal renal function with diuresis; (III) pyelonephritis; (IV) noninfectious renal insufficiency; (V) outflow obstruction; (VI) miscellaneous nonobstructive anomalies. Medians for maximal pelvic width (range) for group I was 2.0 mm (1.0–3.8) in 11 dogs, and 1.6 mm (0.8–3.2) in 10 cats; for group II, 2.5 mm (1.3–3.6) in 15 dogs, and 2.3 mm (1.1–3.4) in 16 cats; for group III, 3.6 mm (1.9–12.0) in nine dogs, and 4.0 mm (1.7–12.4) in seven cats; for group IV, 3.1 mm (0.5–10.8) in 33 dogs, and 2.8 mm (1.2–7.3) in 13 cats; for group V, 15.1 mm (5.1–76.2) in six dogs, and 6.8 mm (1.2–39.1) in 17 cats; and for group VI, 3.8 mm (1.2–7.6) in seven dogs, and 3.0 mm (1.3–7.5) in three cats. Pelvic width in group I was lower than in groups III–V (P=0.0001), but did not significantly differ from group II. Pelvic width ≥13 mm always indicated obstruction. While the proportion of bilateral pelvic dilatation was not different among groups, the difference in pelvic width (maximal–minimal) was greater in group V vs. groups I, II, and IV (P=0.0009). These results confirm that renal pelvic dilatation can be detected sonographically in dogs and cats with clinically normal renal function, and that it increases with renal insufficiency, pyelonephritis, or outflow obstruction. Nevertheless, renal pelvic width varies substantially within groups and should be interpreted with caution.     

HEPATIC ABSCESSES IN 13 DOGS: A REVIEW OF THE ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS, CLINICAL DATA AND THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS

Historical, physical examination, clinicopathologic, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings of 13 dogs with hepatic abscesses were reviewed. Liver abscessation was characterized by number, size, shape, echogenicity and location. Solitary lesions greater than 3 cm were more common than multiple ones. The abscesses were mainly poorly echogenic lesions, often with central cavitation. The shape of the lesion ranged from round to oval or irregular. Enhancement artifact, abdominal effusion, regional lymphadenopathy and hyperechoic perihepatic fat, were identified in several dogs. Ultrasound-guided aspiration was performed in 10 of 13 dogs, and confirmed abscessation with cytologic and microbiologic evaluation. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage of abscesses was performed as an adjunct to medical management in four dogs.     

A COMPARISON OF ARTERIAL AND TRACHEAL END TIDAL CARBON DIOXIDE TENSIONS DURING CLINICAL ANAESTHESIA IN DOGS

Fifty-two comparisons were made between tracheal end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (P.E.T.CO₂) and simultaneously measured arterial carbon dioxide tension (paCO₂) in 22 anaesthetised dogs. A mean arterial to end-tidal carbon dioxide tension gradient (a-E.T.pCO₂) of 3.2 mm.Hg. was obtained but gradients ranged between -6 and +13 mm.Hg. End-tidal carbon dioxide tension was close to the arterial value in large dogs with respiratory rates greater than 10/min. A number of different anaesthetic techniques were used but no single technique appeared to be associated with the larger gradients.     

CLINICAL AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FEATURES OF IDIOPATHIC OCULOMOTOR NEUROPATHY IN 14 DOGS

Ophthalmoplegia/ophthalmoparesis (internal, external, or both) has been reported in dogs secondary to neoplasia affecting the oculomotor nerve and is usually given a poor prognosis. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, management, outcome, and follow‐up in a group of canine cases with idiopathic oculomotor neuropathy. Inclusion criteria included cases with ophthalmoplegia/ophthalmoparesis (internal, external or both) as sole neuroophthalmologic signs, complete ophthalmic and neurologic examination, head MRI, and a minimum follow‐up period of 1 year. Dogs with progressive neurological signs not related to oculomotor neuropathy were excluded. Fourteen cases met the inclusion criteria. All cases were unilaterally affected. Magnetic resonance imaging showed equivocal enlargement of the oculomotor nerve in three cases, mild enlargement in five, and marked enlargement in six. Contrast enhancement was present in 12 cases, being marked in six. When present, the contrast enhancement was focal in eight cases and diffuse in four. The median follow‐up time was 25 months. External ophthalmoparesis improved in seven cases, five cases under no treatment and two under systemic corticosteroid therapy. The clinical signs in the other seven cases remained unchanged. Idiopathic oculomotor neuropathy should be included as a differential diagnosis in dogs presenting with unilateral ophthalmoplegia/ophthalmoparesis (internal, external, or both) with the absence of other neurologic and ophthalmic signs, and with the MRI findings restricted to the oculomotor nerve. Idiopathic oculomotor neuropathy has a good prognosis as the clinical signs do not deteriorate and they can improve without treatment.     

PRELIMINARY CLINICAL USE OF COMBINED BLOOD POOL AND BONE PHASE RADIONUCLIDE IMAGING IN DOGS

The case reports of three dogs, in which combined blood pool and bone phase radionuclide imaging was done, are presented. The procedure is accomplished by injecting ^99mTc-MDP and imaging at 3–5 min and 2 hours postinjection. These three cases suggest that a greater number of animals with varied etiologies should be scanned in this manner to determine the usefulness of the procedure.     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC,RADIOGRAPHIC, AND ENDOSCOPIC TRACHEAL DIMENSIONS IN ENGLISH BULLDOGS WITH GRADE 1 CLINICAL SIGNS OF BRACHYCEPHALIC AIRWAY SYNDROME

Tracheal hypoplasia is commonly seen in English Bulldogs affected with brachycephalic airway syndrome. Previously published diagnostic criteria for tracheal hypoplasia in this breed have been a radiographic tracheal diameter:tracheal inlet ratio (TD:TI) < 0.12 or a tracheal diameter:third rib diameter ratio (TD:3R) < 2.0. Computed tomography has become increasingly used for airway evaluation, however published information is lacking regarding CT tracheal dimensions in English Bulldogs. Objectives of this prospective cross‐sectional study were to describe radiographic and CT tracheal dimensions in a sample of clinically normal English Bulldogs and compare these values with tracheoscopy scores. Computed tomography (n = 40), radiography (n = 38), and tracheoscopy (n = 40) studies were performed during a single general anesthesia session for each included dog. Tracheal measurements were recorded at three locations: cervical, thoracic inlet, and thorax. Tracheal diameters were narrowest at the thoracic inlet with all techniques. Computed tomographic measurements averaged 19% greater than radiographic measurements. All included dogs had radiographic tracheal measurements greater than the previously published criteria for tracheal hypoplasia. Mean CT TD:TI was 0.26 (± 0.03, 0.20–0.33), and mean CT TT:3R was 2.27 (± 0.24, 1.71–2.74). Radiographic TD:TI and CT TD:TI were significantly correlated (P = 0.00); however radiographic TT:3R and CT TT:3R were not significantly correlated (P = 0.25). Tracheoscopy identified hypoplastic changes in all dogs and tracheoscopy scores were not correlated with CT or radiography diameter measurements. In conclusion, findings indicated that some CT and radiographic tracheal diameter measurements were comparable in English Bulldogs however diameters for both imaging techniques were not comparable with tracheoscopy scores.     

日本大耳白兔TLR3部分cDNA克隆及mRNA在组织中的分布

采用RT—PCR技术从日本大耳白兔的脾脏组织克隆出兔的Toll样受体基因3（命名为。TLR3）,并对其mRNA在兔的17种组织中的分布情况进行了检测。结果显示,RTLR3核苷酸序列与GenBank中登载的穴兔（Oryctolagus cuniculus）TLR3序列（登录号：NM_001082219）相似性为100％;兔的胸腺、脾脏、睾丸等14种组织中检测出TLR3 mRNA的转录产物,而在骨骼、胃和皮肤中未能发现。推导的氨基酸序列同源性比对表明,兔TLR3与人、野猪、牛、猫、褐鼠等动物的同源性最高,为80％-85％;与原鸡同源性次之,为61％;与草鱼、绿河豚等同源性在45％～48％之间;系统进化树分析表明,兔TLR3与马的亲缘关系最接近,与猪、人／绵羊、牛、猩猩／猫的亲缘关系依次渐远,与鼠的亲缘关系最远。可见,TLR3在不同种属动物及不同组织中所起的作用具有生物多样性。     

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF ARTICULAR PROCESS JOINT GEOMETRY AND INTERVERTEBRAL DISK DEGENERATION IN THE CAUDAL LUMBAR SPINE (L5–S1) OF DOGS WITH CLINICAL SIGNS OF CAUDA EQUINA COMPRESSION

The geometry of the lumbosacral region has been suspected to play a role in the development of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in the dog. In this study, 50 dogs (21 German Shepherd dogs and 29 dogs of other breeds) with clinical signs of cauda equina compression were studied by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The orientation of the articular process joints in the L5-S1 region and the angle difference between two adjacent motion segments were calculated. Intervertebral disc degeneration of the same region was identified and classified in four stages. A positive association between MR-imaging stage and articular process joint angle difference in the transverse plane was found in the two groups of animals. German Shepherd dogs and dogs of other breeds had different geometry of the lumbosacral region with different articular process joint angles in the transverse plane and statistically different stages of disc degeneration.     

CLINICAL AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING CHARACTERISTICS OF THORACOLUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISK EXTRUSIONS AND PROTRUSIONS IN LARGE BREED DOGS

Treatment recommendations differ for dogs with intervertebral disk extrusion vs. intervertebral disk protrusion. The aim of this retrospective, cross‐sectional study was to determine whether clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) variables could be used to predict a diagnosis of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusion or protrusion in dogs. Dogs were included if they were large breed dogs, had an MRI study of the thoracolumbar or lumbar vertebral column, had undergone spinal surgery, and had the type of intervertebral disk herniation (intervertebral disk extrusion or protrusion) clearly stated in surgical reports. A veterinary neurologist unaware of surgical findings reviewed MRI studies and recorded number, location, degree of degeneration and morphology of intervertebral disks, presence of nuclear clefts, disk space narrowing, extent, localization and lateralization of herniated disk material, degree of spinal cord compression, intraparenchymal intensity changes, spondylosis deformans, spinal cord swelling, spinal cord atrophy, vertebral endplate changes, and presence of extradural hemorrhage. Ninety‐five dogs were included in the sample. Multivariable statistical models indicated that longer duration of clinical signs (P = 0.01), midline instead of lateralized disk herniation (P = 0.007), and partial instead of complete disk degeneration (P = 0.01) were associated with a diagnosis of intervertebral disk protrusion. The presence of a single intervertebral herniation (P = 0.023) and dispersed intervertebral disk material not confined to the disk space (P = 0.06) made a diagnosis of intervertebral disk extrusion more likely. Findings from this study identified one clinical and four MRI variables that could potentially facilitate differentiating intervertebral disk extrusions from protrusions in dogs.