Morphometric and volumetric analysis of the cervical spinal cord and vertebral canal using computed tomography images in normal Van cats

This study was performed on Van cats to determine the volumetric, morphometric and surface area measurement values of their cervical spinal cords (SC) and vertebral canals (CC) and the ratios between their dimensions using computed tomography (CT) images. The study also aims to reveal any biometric differences in these values between the two sexes. Spinal cord and vertebral canal CT images of 16 healthy adult Van cats (8 males and 8 females) were used in the study. First, three measurement points were selected for each vertebra on their cranial, medial and caudal sections along the sagittal axis. Next, the morphometric values were obtained using the transversal images of these measurement points. The surface areas for the SC and CC were calculated using the stereological planimetry method. The Cavalieri's principle was then used to calculate the relevant anatomic structure volumes. The obtained values were then statistically analysed. SC and CC were found to be larger in males in general, while ‘SC cranial/CC cranial’ and ‘SC medial/CC medial’ dimensions and volume ratios were found to be larger in female cats on average. Bodyweight and age values were found to have a negative correlation with SC and CC ratio, but the correlation was statistically insignificant. All SC and CC surface area and volume measurements were found to be higher in male cats (p < .05). We believe the results obtained by this study will provide valuable insight into veterinary clinicians in evaluating pathological lesions in the cervical spinal cord and vertebral canal CT scans.     

Femoral diaphysis fractures in cattle: 26 cases (1994–2005)

Objective   This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the outcome for cattle with diaphyseal fractures of the femur, but not including capital physeal injuries.
Methods   Sources of information were medical records of cattle having a definitive diagnosis of diaphyseal femoral fractures and telephone survey of owners.
Results   Medical records for 26 cattle with femoral fracture were found; of the 20 aged less than 2 months, 15 were treated surgically, 4 conservatively (stall rest) and 1 was euthanased without treatment. The surgical treatment varied according to the configuration of the fracture and the surgeon's experience. Surgery for mid-diaphyseal fractures had a significantly better surgical outcome then distal diaphyseal fractures (P < 0.05), as there were significantly fewer postoperative complications. Of the 15 calves treated surgically, 10 were discharged from hospital and 5 were retained in the herd without noticeable lameness. Of the 4 calves treated conservatively, 3 were alive at follow-up, but 2 were still lame. Of the 6 older cattle, 3 were euthanased without treatment and 3 were treated conservatively, 2 of which were alive at follow-up but 1 was still lame.
Conclusion   Conservative treatment of femur fracture in cattle is possible but associated with complications during the convalescence. Continued research is needed to optimise distal diaphyseal fracture stabilisation in young cattle.     

Computed tomographic evaluation of cervical vertebral canal and spinal cord morphometry in normal dogs

The height, width, and cross-sectional area of the vertebral canal and spinal cord along with the area ratio of spinal cord to vertebral canal in the cervical vertebra were evaluated in images obtained using computed tomography (CT). Measurements were taken at the cranial, middle, and caudal point of each cervical vertebra in eight clinically normal small breed dogs (two shih tzu, two miniature schnauzers, and four mixed breed), 10 beagles, and four German shepherds. CT myelography facilitated the delineation of the epidural space, subarachnoid space, and spinal cord except at the caudal portion of the 7th cervical vertebra. The spinal cord had a tendency to have a clear ventral border in the middle portion of the vertebral canal and lateral borders near both end plates. The height, width, and area of the vertebral canal and spinal cord in the cervical vertebra were increased as the size of dog increased. However, the ratio of the spinal cord area to vertebral canal area in the small dogs was higher than that of the larger dogs. Results of the present study could provide basic and quantitative information for CT evaluation of pathologic lesions in the cervical vertebra and spinal cord.     

Periocular cutaneous mast cell tumors in cats: evaluation of surgical excision (33 cases)

Objective  To describe feline periocular cutaneous mast cell tumor (CMCT) clinical features, rates of local tumor recurrence and metastases, and cat survival time following surgical excision.
Animals studied  Thirty-three cats with periocular CMCTs.
Procedures  Medical records of cats diagnosed with periocular CMCTs were reviewed; cats were included if CMCTs were surgically excised and the diagnosis confirmed by histopathology. The appearance, size, location and histopathology findings of CMCTs were recorded. Rates of local recurrence, metastasis, and survival time following surgical excision were collected when available.
Results  All periocular CMCTs were restricted to the eyelids. In addition to surgical excision, three cats were treated with adjunctive therapy (strontium-90 irradiation or cryotherapy) intraoperatively. Local tumor control was achieved in 22/23 cats with a minimum follow-up of 30 days (median follow-up time of 711 days); one cat developed disseminated CMCTs but no local recurrence. Cats with periocular CMCTs had a median survival time of 945 days. Metastatic disease involving peripheral lymph nodes or abdominal viscera was not detected in any cat at any time during the study. All periocular CMCTs were classified as low-grade based on histopathology, and complete excision was achieved in approximately 50% of cases.
Conclusions  Surgical excision of periocular CMCTs in cats is an effective treatment option with rare local recurrence and metastases, even following incomplete surgical excision.     

Tumors affecting the spinal cord of cats: 85 cases (1980-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of lymphosarcoma and other tumors affecting the spinal cord of cats and to relate specific types of tumors with signalment, history, and clinical findings. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 85 cats with tumors affecting the spinal cord. PROCEDURES: Medical records of cats with histologically confirmed primary or metastatic tumors of the spinal cord or tumors causing spinal cord disease by local extension from adjacent tissues examined between 1980 and 2005 were reviewed. Data on signalment; clinical history; results of neurologic examination, diagnostic imaging, and clinical pathologic evaluation; and location of tumor within the spinal cord were obtained from medical records and analyzed by use of logistic regression models. RESULTS: Lymphosarcoma was the most common tumor and affected the spinal cord in 33 (38.8%) cats, followed by osteosarcoma in 14 (16.5%) cats. Cats with lymphosarcoma were typically younger at initial examination, had a shorter duration of clinical signs, and had lesions in more regions of the CNS than did cats with other types of tumors. In 22 of 26 (84.6%) cats with lymphosarcoma, the tumor was also found in extraneural sites. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Data for spinal cord tumors in this population of cats were analyzed by logistic regression analysis, which effectively distinguished cats with lymphosarcoma from cats with other types of tumors. Additional clinical information reported here will help to increase the index of suspicion or definitive antemortem diagnosis of spinal cord tumors of cats.     

Surgical removal of an intramedullary chopstick fragment penetrating the spinal cord in a cat

A 3-year-old male domestic shorthair cat presented with sudden ataxia. Neurologic examination showed complete loss of proprioception in the thoracic and pelvic limbs. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a non-metallic foreign body penetrating the spinal cord. The foreign body was removed by the ventral approach to the atlanto-occipital junction. Mild improvement of proprioception was observed the day after surgery. In a follow-up two months after surgery, the owner reported a complete recovery of the patient, showing a normal gait. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first case report describing successful removal of an intramedullary foreign body penetrating cervical spinal cord by ventral approach in a cat.     

Left atrial rupture in dogs: 14 cases (1990–2005)

Objective: To describe the clinical parameters, treatment, and prognosis of dogs with left atrial rupture secondary to chronic mitral valve insufficiency. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: University referral hospital. Animals: 14 dogs with left atrial rupture. Interventions: None. Measurements and main results: Mixed breed dogs (n=6, 43%) and Shetland Sheepdogs (n=3, 21%) were most commonly affected. The median age was 12 years (range 5.8–18 y). The median weight was 11 kg (range 4–30 kg). Eight dogs had been previously diagnosed with chronic valvular disease. The most common presenting complaints included collapse (13/14), cough (9/14), and dyspnea (8/14). Four dogs were presented in either respiratory or cardiac arrest. Pericardial effusion was present in 13 dogs. The median left atrium:aortic outflow ratio was 2.66 (range 1.66:1–5.52:1). Pericardiocentesis was performed to alleviate tamponade in 3 dogs. Five dogs were discharged from the hospital, 3 of which were euthanized within 35 days of initial diagnosis for recurrence of clinical signs (n=2) and for hematochezia and lethargy (n=1). Five dogs were euthanized while in the hospital for a variety of reasons including DIC, progressive azotemia, collapse and recurrence of pericardial effusion, or possible seizure episode. Conclusions: Although rare, left atrial rupture resulting in pericardial effusion should be considered in older small‐ to medium‐sized dogs presenting with collapse, cough, and dyspnea. The overall prognosis appears poor.     

Comparison of first-opinion and second-opinion histopathology from dogs and cats with cancer: 430 cases (2001–2008)

Second-opinion histopathology is intended to detect clinically significant discrepancies that have a direct impact on patient care. We sought to determine if this practice at our institution affected patient management and prognosis. First- and second-opinion histopathology reports from cases were retrospectively reviewed. Reports were considered to be in diagnostic agreement, partial diagnostic disagreement or complete diagnostic disagreement. Four hundred and thirty cases were studied. In 70% of cases there was a diagnostic agreement. In 20% of cases, there was partial diagnostic disagreement, where diagnoses were the same but information such as grade or lymphatic and/or vascular invasion was changed. In 10% of cases, complete diagnostic disagreement resulted from a change in degree of malignancy (malignant to benign, or converse; 7%) or a change in cell type (3%). In 17% of the cases evaluated, the histopathology review prompted a change in treatment or prognosis. These findings support the use of second-opinion histopathology as an important part of patient care.     

Pneumothorax in cats with a clinical diagnosis of feline asthma: 5 cases (1990–2000)

Objective: This paper characterizes the clinical findings in 5 cats with feline asthma complicated by concurrent pneumothorax. Design: Retrospective study. Medical records of cats with concurrent diagnoses of asthma and pneumothorax that were presented to the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from 1990 to 2000 were reviewed. Results: Of 421 cases of feline asthma, 5 cats fulfilled the inclusion criteria (1.2%). All 5 had respiratory distress at presentation. One cat was panting, and the other 4 cats had respiratory rates of 28, 52, 58 and 120 breaths per minute (bpm), respectively (mean RR 65±39 bpm). Historical findings included untreated chronic cough (n=3), previously treated asthma (n=1), and no previous illness (n=1). Thoracocentesis was performed in 4/5 cats, and 3 of those cats required thoracostomy tubes. Four cats required immediate oxygen supplementation, and 1 of those cats required ventilation. All 5 cats had evidence of pneumothorax on initial radiographs. Follow‐up radiographs revealed partial or complete resolution of pneumothorax in 4 cats which were discharged alive with total hospitalization of 2–7 days, but were then lost to follow‐up. One cat was euthanized because it could not be weaned off mechanical ventilation, and necropsy confirmed end‐stage feline asthma and emphysema. Conclusion: Small airway obstruction can predispose asthma patients to increased alveolar pressure, emphysema, and spontaneous pneumothorax, which can lead to dyspnea in affected cats. The short‐term outcome in these cats was good despite the severity of dyspnea at presentation.     

Thrombocytosis in cats: a retrospective study of 51 cases (2000-2005)

Feline haematology profiles of patients presented to the University of Bristol Small Animal Hospital from January 2000 to October 2005 were evaluated for thrombocytosis (defined as a platelets count of >700x10(9)/l and confirmed on smear evaluation). Thrombocytosis was found in 79 cats (4.64% of the hospital feline population), with values ranging from 703 to 1895x10(9)/l. Signalment, clinical presentation, concurrence of other haematological abnormalities, diagnoses and outcome were evaluated in 51 cases in which complete medical records were available. Other variables (feline immunodeficiency virus/feline leukaemia virus status, thyroxine level, haemoplasma PCR, toxoplasma antibody titres) were also evaluated. No association was found between the presence of thrombocytosis and breed or gender. Gastrointestinal signs were the most common clinical presentation. Lymphopenia was the most common concurrent haematological abnormality. Based on final diagnosis reached, cats were grouped both according to the DAMNITV classification and according to the body system affected. Amongst the DAMNITV classification, inflammatory/infectious conditions were most commonly associated with thrombocytosis. According to body systems, gastrointestinal involvement was most represented, followed by endocrine cases. No association was found between the severity of thrombocytosis and outcome.     

Malassezia dermatitis in the dog: a retrospective histopathological and immunopathological study of 86 cases (1990–95)

A retrospective histopathological and immunopathological study was conducted on 86 dogs with Malassezia dermatitis. West Highland White terriers, English Setters, Shih Tzus, Basset Hounds, American Cocker Spaniels, spayed females, and castrated males were found to be at increased risk. The histopathological reaction pattern of lymphocytic superficial perivascular to interstitial dermatitis with parakeratotic hyperkeratosis, irregular epidermal hyperplasia, diffuse intercellular oedema and lymphocytic exocytosis was found to be consistent with a diagnosis of Malassezia dermatitis whether yeast were histologically visible (73.3% of the cases) or not (26.7%). Immunopathological studies revealed that 60– > 90% of the inflammatory cells within the epidermis, and 25–75% of those within the dermis were CD3+T lymphocytes, and that the only immunoglobulin-positive cells were dermal plasma cells.     

Surgical treatment of colic in the miniature horse: a retrospective study of 57 cases (1993-2006)

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: It has been suggested that the rate of post operative abdominal adhesions in miniature horses is higher than that for other breeds. However, few reports exist in the veterinary literature describing complications and long-term survival following surgical treatment of colic in these horses. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of surgical lesions in miniature horses with acute abdominal disease in terms of clinical signs, surgical management, post operative treatment and complications, as well as short- and long-term survival. METHODS: Medical records of 57 American Miniature Horses undergoing surgical treatment for acute abdominal pain at the Michigan State University Large Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital 1993-2006 were evaluated for clinical information. Owners and trainers were contacted to gain information regarding long-term survival. RESULTS: The most common surgical lesion was a faecalith (38/57 cases) located primarily within the descending colon and most frequently diagnosed in horses age <6 months (19/38 cases). Short-term survival to hospital discharge for horses recovered from anaesthesia was 98% (55/56) with the most common post operative complications being diarrhoea and inappetance. Intra-abdominal adhesions were identified in 2/8 horses requiring a second celiotomy. Long-term follow-up was available for 45 horses and 87% (39/45) were alive at least 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: As previously reported, faecalith obstruction is a frequent surgical lesion in the miniature horse and is most common in miniature horses age <6 months. The incidence of adhesion formation may be lower than previously reported.     

Coarse fractionated radiation therapy for pituitary tumours in cats: a retrospective study of 12 cases

This retrospective study describes the clinical progression of 12 cats with pituitary tumours treated with a coarse fractionated radiation protocol delivering a total dose of 37 Gy in five once weekly fractions. A pituitary macrotumour was identified in all 12 cats: 4 with neurological signs only and 8 with insulin‐resistant diabetes mellitus secondary to acromegaly. One of the cats with central neurological signs died before completing the radiotherapy course; the remaining three had partial or complete remissions of their central neurological signs. Of the cats with unstable diabetes mellitus, five no longer required insulin therapy, one required less insulin and two became stable. The overall median survival time was 72.6 weeks; four cats died from related causes, two from unrelated problems and six remain alive. Radiation therapy is confirmed as an effective treatment for feline pituitary tumours, giving prolonged survival and control of both paraneoplastic and mass effect signs.     

Erythema multiforme in dogs and cats: literature review and case material from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (1988–96)

A review of case material from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine from 1988 to 1996 identified 20 dogs and one cat with definitive or presumed erythema multiforme. An additional 24 dogs and five cats with definitive or presumed erythema multiforme were found in the veterinary literature. Erythema multiforme accounted for only 0.40% and 0.11%, respectively, of all the canine and feline dermatology cases examined over a 9-year period. German Shepherd dogs and Pembroke Welsh Corgis appeared predisposed. The condition was manifested as a vesiculobullous and/or ulcerative dermatosis in the majority of dogs and cats. In dogs, the most commonly affected body sites included the ventrum (especially axillae and groin), mucocutaneous junctions, oral cavity, pinnae, and footpads. Histopathological findings in cutaneous and mucocutaneous biopsy specimens were consistent with previously published criteria. In dogs, erythema multiforme occurred more frequently in patients receiving drug therapy. In cats, all cases of erythema multiforme were presumed to be drug related. Elimination of the associated trigger factor and supportive care usually resulted in resolution of the erythema multiforme within 1–2 weeks. Four dogs with severe idiopathic erythema multiforme were successfully managed with glucocorticoids or azathioprine.     

Sporotrichosis: a retrospective evaluation of 23 cases seen in northern California (1987–2007)

Sporotrichosis is an uncommon to rare cutaneous and subcutaneous mycosis of animals and humans caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii . Twenty-three mammalian cases of sporotrichosis examined between 1987 and 2007 at the University of California, Davis – Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, were retrospectively evaluated with regard to the historical, clinical, diagnostic and treatment findings. Cats were the most common species affected ( n  = 14). In addition, sporotrichosis was diagnosed in four dogs, four horses and a donkey. Six of 23 cases were diagnosed with the localized cutaneous form of sporotrichosis (four cats, one dog, one horse), 10 with the cutaneous-lymphatic form (four cats, two dogs, three horses and a donkey), and seven with the disseminated form (six cats, one dog). Two of 23 cases did not have skin lesions at the time of diagnosis (one cat, one dog). The most common mode of diagnosis was demonstration of S. schenckii on histopathological evaluation of tissue. In contrast with most previously described sporotrichosis infections in cats, few to no fungal organisms were seen in histopathological samples (haematoxylin and eosin and special stains) in five of the 14 cats. Treatments received included itraconazole (12 cats, one dog), ketoconazole (three dogs), fluconazole (one cat, one donkey), sodium iodide (four horses, one cat) and potassium iodide (one cat, one horse, one donkey). The prognosis for successful treatment was good in all species. Fluconazole was successful in inducing resolution of the cutaneous lesions and controlling the infection in one cat with disseminated sporotrichosis.     

Clinical course, diagnostic findings and necropsy diagnosis in dyspneic cats with primary pulmonary parenchymal disease: 15 cats (1996–2002)

Objective: Correlate the necropsy diagnosis with the history, diagnostic findings, and clinical course of dyspneic cats with primary lung parenchymal disease. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Animals: Client‐owned cats over 6 months of age hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with a primary problem of respiratory distress that had pulmonary parenchymal disease on thoracic radiographs, and a complete necropsy. Interventions: None. Measurements and main results: Cats included were assigned into 2 groups based on the pulmonary histopathology: inflammatory (n=8) and neoplastic (n=7) disease. No statistical difference was found between the groups with regard to age, body weight, clinical signs, duration of clinical signs, physical examination findings, thoracic radiography, duration of hospitalization, treatment, and outcome. Cats with neoplasia had a statistically higher mean total white blood cell count (26.60 k/μL±10.41) than those with inflammatory lung disease (11.59 k/μL±4.49; P=0.026). Cats with bacterial or viral pulmonary disease had a significantly shorter median duration of illness (5 days, range 1–7 days) than all other cats (30 days, range 7–365 days; P=0.0042). Ultrasound guided pulmonary fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) provided an accurate diagnosis in 5/5 cases. Conclusions: Forty‐seven percent of cats with pulmonary parenchymal disease had neoplasia. The clinical diagnosis was difficult to obtain ante‐mortem; lung FNA appeared to be the most helpful diagnostic tool in these cases.