Ultrasonographic findings in cattle and buffaloes with chronic hepatic fascioliosis

The purpose of this study was to characterize the ultrasonographic findings in cattle and buffaloes with chronic hepatic fascioliosis. To the best of the author's knowledge, this report is the first to document ultrasonographic findings in buffaloes with chronic hepatic fascioliosis. Ultrasonographic findings included distended gallbladders with either homogenous or heterogeneous contents, edema of the gallbladder walls, which ranged from mild or moderate to severe and bile duct mineralization. In 78% of the buffaloes, there was an ultrasonographic picture of hepatic fibrosis in which heterogeneous and hyperechogenic hepatic parenchymas with multiple echogenic foci were imaged. Other ultrasonographic findings included peritoneal, pleural and pericardial effusions. Two cows and one buffalo were slaughtered and examined postmortem. Hence, it was possible to verify distended gallbladders, edema of the gallbladder wall, calcified bile ducts, cholestasis and hepatic fibrosis by using ultrasonography in the cows and buffaloes with chronic hepatic fascioliosis. The procedure offers a useful supplement to clinical, hematological and biochemical examinations on the diagnosis of this condition.     

Ultrasonographic characteristics of abdominal and thoracic abscesses in cattle and buffaloes

Six cows and five buffaloes with abdominal and thoracic abscesses were examined clinically and ultrasonographically. There was a wide range of clinical signs and at least 50% of the animals exhibited dull demeanour, anorexia, abdominal pain, recurrent tympany and/or weight loss. Three cases of abdominal abscesses were imaged in the left ventral abdomen between the rumen and abdominal wall, two cases were imaged at the xiphoid cartilage near the reticular wall and one case was imaged on the right ventral abdomen between the jejunum and right abdominal wall. Four cases of thoracic abscesses were imaged in the third intercostal space on the left side; however, one case of abscess was imaged in the fourth intercostal space, also on the left side. The content of the abscess was echogenic in eight animals and anechoic in three. In three animals, the content of the abscess was partitioned by echogenic septae. In two cows, the echogenic content of the abscess was surrounded by a narrow rim of anechoic fluid. The diameters of the abscesses were 5-10 cm in three cows, 11-15 cm in seven cows and >15 cm in one cow. In every case, the diagnosis was confirmed by centesis and aspiration of the abscess, which yielded purulent material. There were biochemical data of hypoalbuminaemia and hyperglobulinaemia and 90% of tested animals had neutrophilia. Five cows were examined at slaughter, where the ultrasonographic diagnosis was confirmed.     

Clinical, ultrasonographic, and pathologic findings in 70 camels (Camelus dromedarius) with Johne��s disease

This study evaluated the use of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of Johne’s disease in camels (Camelus dromedarius). Seventy camels with confirmed Johne’s disease were examined by ultrasonography and subsequent necropsy; 15 healthy camels were included as controls. The most outstanding findings were visible enlargement of the mesenteric lymph nodes in 52 (74%) camels. Lesions had either echogenic (26%; n = 18) or anechoic (69%; n = 48) capsule and the contents were either anechoic (21%; n = 15), echogenic (27%; n = 19), or heterogeneous (46%; n = 32). Clumps of echogenic tissue interspersed with fluid pockets were imaged between the intestinal loops in 9 (13%) camels. There was mild, moderate, or severe thickening and corrugation of the intestinal wall, excessive anechoic fluid in the abdominal cavity in 18 (26%) camels, increased hepatic brightness in 30 (43%) camels, and pericardial and pleural effusions in 22 (31%) camels. Sensitivity values for detecting intestinal lesions and enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes were 95% and 84%, respectively.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the stifle region in cattle--normal appearance.

The stifle region of 18 healthy cattle (14 cows, four bull calves) and the stifles of five bovine cadavers were examined using 7.5 MHz linear or convex and 5 MHz sector transducers. The normal ultrasonographic appearance of soft tissues and bony structures was studied.The homogeneously echogenic patellar and collateral ligaments, the combined tendon of the long digital extensor and peroneus tertius muscles, the popliteus tendon, the anechoic articular cartilage of the femoral trochlea, the echogenic menisci and the hyperechoic bone surfaces were imaged successfully in all cattle and cadavers. The boundaries of the joint pouches only became partially identifiable, when small amounts of anechoic fluid were present in the medial and lateral femorotibial joint pouches. After experimental filling in cadavers, the distended synovial cavities were imaged as clearly demarcated, anechoic areas. Measurement values of cross-sectional diameters of the ligaments, tendons and the popliteal lymph node, the width of normal joint pouches, where visible, and articular cartilage thickness are presented. The established results should serve as reference data for ultrasonography of bovine stifle disorders.     

Ultrasonographic evaluation of abdominal distension in 52 camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of ultrasonography in the evaluation of abdominal distension in 52 camels (Camelus dromedarius). The conditions included trypanosomiasis (n=35), intestinal obstruction (n=12) and ruptured urinary bladder (n=5). Fifteen clinically normal camels were included as controls. Transabdominal and transrectal ultrasonography was carried out on all camels. In animals with trypanosomiasis, ultrasonographic findings included accumulation of massive amounts of hypoechoic abdominal fluids where liver, intestine, kidney, spleen and urinary bladder were imaged floating. Except in two cases of bile duct calcification and one of hepatic abscessation, no detectable abnormal sonographic lesions were detected while imaging the hepatic and renal parenchyma, and the heart and its valves and major blood vessels. In camels with intestinal obstruction, ultrasonographic findings included distended intestinal loops with markedly reduced or absent motility. In one camel, the intestinal lumen contained localised hyperechoic material that was consistent with a foreign body. Hypoechoic fluid with or without fibrin was seen between intestinal loops. In camels with ruptured urinary bladder, ultrasonographic findings included collapsed and perforated bladder, echogenic blood clots within the urinary bladder and peritoneal cavity, increased thickness of the bladder wall, floating intestines in hypoechogenic fluid and echogenic calculi within the urethra. Ultrasonography was considered a useful tool for the evaluation of dromedary camels with abdominal distension.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the carpal region in cattle--normal appearance

The carpal region was examined ultrasonographically in 18 healthy cattle (14 cows, 4 bull calves) and five bovine cadavers in order to determine the normal appearance of the carpal soft tissues using 7.5 MHz linear transducers.The course of the echogenic flexor and extensor tendons over the carpus and the joint spaces interposed between the articular bone surfaces were successfully imaged in all carpi. The palmar vessels were easily visualized in live animals. The lumina of carpal tendon sheaths and the boundaries of the carpal joint pouches could not be defined. Small anechoic fluid filled areas were visualized only at the level of the joint spaces. After experimental filling, the distended synovial cavities were imaged as well demarcated anechoic areas. The cross-sectional diameters of the extensor tendons, width of the palmar joint pouches and intraluminal diameters of the palmar vessels were measured.The results presented serve as reference data for ultrasonographic investigation of disorders of the bovine carpus.     

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the omasum in cows and buffaloes.

The study was conducted to establish the ultrasonographic features of the healthy and impacted omasum in cows and buffaloes. Scanning was done using a 3.5 MHz microconvex transducer. In healthy buffaloes, the omasum could be scanned at the eighth to ninth intercostal space as a round or oval structure having thick echogenic wall with echogenic leaves. Gradual slow movements of omasal leaves could also be seen in real-time B-mode. The omasum appeared to be very clear, large, and close to the transducer at the start of the omasal contraction, and as the contraction progressed the omasum retracted away from the transducer and became very small. In healthy cows the omasum was seen as a crescent-shaped structure with an echogenic wall. The contents of the omasum or omasal leaves could not be visualized. Omasal contractility was not as prominent as in buffaloes. In buffaloes, the impacted omasum appeared amotile, the omasal leaves were not visible, and the omasum as a whole gave a prominent distal acoustic shadow. In cows, the impaction could be diagnosed based on amotile omasum covering a large area on the right side. Ultrasonography was found to be helpful in subjective assessment of omasal impaction but could not aid in diagnosing the severity of impaction.     

Ultrasonography as a diagnostic and prognostic approach in cattle and buffaloes with fatty infiltration of the liver

The aim of the present study was to determine whether ultrasonographic evaluation of the hepatic parenchyma could be used as a diagnostic and prognostic approach in cows and buffaloes with hepatic lipidosis. For this purpose, cows (n=16) and buffaloes (n=10) with fatty infiltration of the liver were examined by ultrasonography. Treated cows and buffaloes were monitored for hepatic changes ultrasonographically, biochemically and histologically. Clinical findings were non-specific and included anorexia, recumbency, muzzle necrosis, and icteric mucosal membranes. Laboratory data revealed neutrophilia, hyper gamma-globulinemia, elevated activities of aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, and high concentrations of insulin, total bilirubin, non-esterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxyl butyric acid. Laboratory results 7, and 21 days after treatment showed progressive improvement in the chemistry profile. On admission, ultrasonographic examination of the hepatic parenchyma in cows and buffaloes revealed either increased or decreased hepatic echogenicity; histologic examination revealed marked fatty infiltration of the hepatocytes. One week after treatment, the hepatic parenchyma was visualized easily, liver boundaries were clearly imaged, and histologic examination of hepatic specimen showed a moderate degree of fatty infiltration. Three weeks after treatment, the hepatic parenchyma was almost similar to normal, the hepatic and portal blood vessels could be easily imaged, and the histologic picture had greatly improved where the liver resembled the normal organ. Six cows and seven buffaloes made a full recovery while the remaining ten cows and three buffaloes were slaughtered and thoroughly examined postmortem. Ultrasonography showed a good correlation with histologic and laboratory findings.     

Ultrasonographic and macroscopic anatomy of the enucleated eyes of the buffalo (Bos bubalis) and the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) of different ages

The ultrasonographic appearance and measurements of the normal buffalo and camel eye globes were described in 60 buffaloes (Bos bubalis) aged 1?year (28 eyes) and 10?years (32 eyes), and in 51 humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) aged 1?year (26 eyes) and 10?years (24 eyes). Ocular measurements were recorded by A- and B-scan ultrasonographic examination of 40 buffalo eyes (18 young and 22 adult eyes) and 34 camel eyes (14 young and 20 adult eyes) using a KANGH ultrasound scanner equipped with 10?MHz probe. For gross measurements, 20 buffalo and 16 camel eye globes were frozen and dissected and the same measurements were made using fine callipers macroscopically. The aqueous and vitreous humour of the buffalo and camel eyes appeared anechoic. The cornea, anterior and posterior lens capsule and iris appeared hyperechoic. The ocular measurements for the axial length, vitreous chamber depth (VCD), corneal thickness, lens thickness and scleroretinal rim thickness increase with the advance of age in both buffaloes and camels. Except for the anterior chamber depth, VCD and lens thickness, which were larger in adult camels than in adult buffaloes, no other differences between ocular dimensions were observed in both species. The results of this study are valuable for comparative ocular anatomy and will be useful for ultrasonographic evaluation of ocular diseases in buffaloes and camels.     

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.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC ANATOMY OF THE NORMAL CANINE SPINAL CORD AND CORRELATION WITH HISTOPATHOLOGY AFTER INDUCED SPINAL CORD TRAUMA

Prior to trauma, intraoperative ultrasound of the spinal canal in 31 normal dogs was performed through a hemilaminectomy in the left pedicle of L2. A ventral compressive model of spinal cord injury was performed as part of a clinical drug trial. Maximum ultrasonographic spinal cord diameter ranged from 4.9–7.2 mm (5.7 × 0.6). Significant positive correlation (p = 0.023, r = 0.49) was found between age and spinal cord diameter. The dura mater was a separate, well-defined, echogenic horizontal line in 28 (90%) dogs, dorsally, and in 29 (94%) dogs, ventrally. Cerebrospinal fluid was anechoic. Eighteen (58%) dogs had a well-defined anechoic dorsal subarachnoid space, whereas 22 (71%) had a well-defined ventral space. Pia mater was thin but strongly echogenic and covered spinal cord. Central canal was a double hyperechoic line in 17 (55%) dogs and a single-line in 14 (45%) dogs. A difference in the ultrasonographic appearance between gray and white matter was not seen. Epidural fat and connective tissue was a lobular echogenic material in the ventral epidural space. The periosteal-vertebral body interface was seen as a bright curvilinear echo with distal acoustic shadowing. Spinal cord parenchyma could be classified subjectively into four groups based upon ultrasonographic appearance. Spinal cord parenchyma had a uniform hypoechogenicity in 8 (27%) dogs (Group 1), subtle low level echoes in 7 (23%) dogs (Group 2), multiple clusters of defined echogenic foci in 12 (37%) dogs (Group 3), and multiple sharply-defined linear echoes in 4 (13%) dogs (Group 4). There was a significant relationship between pre-trauma ultrasonographic appearance of the spinal cord and histopathology 21 days after trauma. One (13%) dog in Group 1, 4 (57%) dogs in Group 2,10 (91%) dogs in Group 3, and 3 (75%) dogs in Group 4 had malacia on histological evaluation. Therefore, dogs with echogenic spinal cords or linear echoes within cord parenchyma were significantly more likely to develop malacia rather than Wallerian degeneration after induced spinal cord trauma (p = 0.002). Spinal cord echogenicity may indicate vascularity in a segment of spinal cord and might be prognostic following spinal cord trauma. No complications were found related to intraoperative ultrasound. Hematoma or fibrous tissue formation appeared to impede percutaneous ultrasound of the spinal cord in dogs re-evaluated forty-eight hours and one week after surgery.     

Intraoperative echocardiography and surgical treatment of traumatic pericarditis in a pregnant cow

Traumatic pericarditis is one of the most significant bovine cardiac diseases. The authors describe the use of intraoperative echocardiography and successful surgical treatment of a case of traumatic pericarditis. A seven-year-old Hungarian Simmental dairy cow in late pregnancy showed severe oedema of the throat region and brisket, as well as jugular distension. Cardiac auscultation demonstrated tachycardia with a normal cardiac rhythm. The heart sounds were muffled, but no cardiac murmur or splashing sounds were heard. A large amount of echogenic fluid with some strands of fibrin was seen in the pericardial and right pleural cavities by ultrasonography. Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis demonstrated the presence of a thick, fetid and purulent exudate. Pericardiotomy was performed in standing position with sedation and local anaesthesia. After costal resection, intraoperative echocardiography was performed. It showed an echogenic tract between the caudal pericardium and diaphragm, but no foreign body was seen. Two weeks after the surgery, the cow delivered a healthy bull-calf. Intraoperative echocardiography - not reported earlier - can be applied to evaluate the entire bovine pericardial sac and heart. The report also demonstrates that surgical treatment of traumatic pericarditis can be successful in carefully selected cases.     

Idiopathic pericarditis and cardiac tamponade in two cows

Idiopathic pericarditis is an uncommon diagnosis in cattle with cardiac tamponade. Two cows were examined for clinical signs of right-sided congestive heart failure, including tachycardia, venous distention, and peripheral edema. Muffled heart sounds were detected in one of the cows. Echocardiography in both cows revealed voluminous anechoic pericardial effusion and compression of the right atrium and right ventricle. Cytologic analysis of the pericardial fluid revealed hemorrhagic inflammation but no evidence of a septic or neoplastic condition such as traumatic reticulopericarditis or lymphoma, respectively. Pericardial drainage and lavage accompanied by treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs were curative in both cows. It is important to differentiate cows with idiopathic pericarditis from cows with more common septic pericarditis because the prognosis for the former disease appears to be good with appropriate treatment.     

Diagnostic ultrasonography in cattle with abdominal fat necrosis

This study describes the ultrasonographic findings in 14 cows with abdominal fat necrosis. Ultrasonography of the abdomen revealed the presence of heterogeneous hyperechoic masses and hyperechoic omentum with localized masses floating in a hypoechoic peritoneal fluid. A hyperechogenic rim was imaged around both kidneys. The intestines were coated with hyperechoic capsules and the intestinal lumens were constricted. Ultrasonographic examination of the pancreatic parenchyma showed an overall increased echogenicity which was homogenously distributed in 3 cases. A diagnosis of abdominal fat necrosis was made with ultrasound-guided biopsy of the echogenic masses, and thereafter at postmortem examination. Results from this study demonstrate the efficacy of ultrasonography as an imaging modality for antemortem diagnosis of abdominal lipomatosis in cattle. To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first that illustrates ultrasonographic findings in cattle affected with abdominal lipomatosis.     

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.     

Hepatic ultrasonography and blood changes in cattle with experimentally induced hepatic abscesses.

Hepatic abscesses were induced experimentally in 5 steers by inoculating Fusobacterium necrophorum via ultrasonography-guided, percutaneous catheterization of the portal vein. Hepatic ultrasonography was performed to determine the onset and progression of abscessation. Blood samples were collected before and after inoculation for performing leukocyte counts and hepatic function tests. Ultrasonographic evidence of liver abscesses was observed as early as 3 days after inoculation. Abscesses appeared as hyperechoic centers (cellular debris and pus) surrounded by hypoechoic or anechoic areas (fluid). Increases in rectal temperature, leukocyte counts, fibrinogen, globulin, bilirubin, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and sorbitol dehydrogenase concentrations were detected. Hepatic dysfunction was evidenced by decrease in serum albumin concentration and low sulfobromophthalein clearance. The ultrasonographic diagnosis of abscesses correlated well with necropsy findings.     

Ultrasound evaluation of pregnancy and spontaneous embryonic resorption in the bitch

One hundred and one pregnant bitches were imaged using real-time B-mode ultrasonography. The accuracy of predicting fetal number was 38 per cent during early pregnancy and was lower with later examinations. If bitches were examined in early pregnancy and estimated to have five pups or more, or four pups or less, the predictive value of ultrasound was 100 per cent and 83-3 per cent, respectively. The ultrasonographic appearance of one case of abortion and five cases of isolated spontaneous embryonic resorption were characterised. The resorptions did not apparently interfere with adjacent remaining conceptuses. The components of embryonic resorption were found to be; reduced volume and changes in echogenicity of embryonic fluid, loss of embryonic mass and heartbeat, collapse of the conceptus with thickening and inward bulging of the uterine wall and reduced size in comparison with adjacent conceptuses. Following resorption the uterus was moderately hypoechoic in appearance, similar to after parturition. No risk factors were correlated with resorption or abortion.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF A TRAUMATIC SPLENIC HEMATOMA AND LITERATURE REVIEW

This report describes a presumed traumatic splenic hematoma in a six-year-old neutered male Greyhound presented for abdominal pain, vomiting, and anorexia. Multiple right-sided rib fractures and minimal pneumothorax were detected on radiographs. Using ultrasonography, an irregular, mixed anechoic and hypoechoic splenic mass was detected. Based on history and ultrasonographic findings, a traumatic splenic hematoma was diagnosed. In follow-up ultrasonographic evaluations there was progressive, and ultimately, complete resolution of this lesion. The animal was clinically normal at ten week follow-up and remains healthy. Clinical, radiographic, and ultrasonographic features of splenic hematomas are discussed, with emphasis on the changing ultrasonographic appearance over time. The different imaging modalities used in people to diagnose traumatic splenic hematoma are reviewed.     

Transabdominal ultrasonographic appearance of the gastrointestinal viscera of healthy camels (Camelus dromedaries)

The purpose of this study was to describe the ultrasonographic picture of the gastrointestinal tract in healthy camels (Camelus dromedarius). For this purpose, 22 camels were examined. The rumen and its glandular sacs were filling most of the left side of the abdomen. The rumen wall was smooth and echogenic. The ventral part of the reticulum could be best imaged in 17 (77%) camels from the left and right paramedian region just behind to the sternal pad. The reticulum in these animals had a thick wall (1.17±0.27 cm) that appeared as a half-moon-shaped structure with a biphasic contraction. The omasum was best viewed through the right 8th to 6th intercostal spaces in 18 (82%) camels. In the remaining 4 (18%), it was visualized through four consecutive intercostal spaces (right 9th to 6th). It had a wall thickness of 1.1±0.7 cm and a transverse diameter of 8.74±3.4 cm. The abomasum could be best visualized from the right 9th and 8th intercostal spaces in 14 (64%) camels, while it was observed in the 9th intercostal space in 3 (14%) animals and in the 8th and 7th intercostal space in 5 (22%) camels. Small intestinal structures were best seen low in the right paralumbar fossa. It was thin-walled (0.43±0.14 cm) and had a diameter of 2.62±0.47 cm. The cecum was imaged chiefly in the caudal right flank. It was thin-walled (0.37±0.05 cm), had a diameter of 13.8±1.6 cm. The proximal loop of the large colon appeared as thick, echogenic, continuous and slightly curved lines. It was thin-walled (0.51±0.08 cm) and had a diameter of 3.5±0.8 cm. The spiral colon was confined in all camels to the caudal ventral half of the abdomen. It appeared as structures with thick echoic lateral walls with a number of echogenic arched lines next to each other. Free peritoneal fluid pockets were imaged in two locations in 19 (86%) camels. Ultrasound-guided abdominocentesis was successful in 15 (68%) of the examined camels. This study provides the ultrasonographic appearance of the normal gastrointestinal tract in healthy camels that could be used as a reference for the interpretation of suspected digestive abnormalities.