Clinical and prognostic significance of radiographic pattern, distribution, and severity of thoracic radiographic changes in neonatal foals

A total of 207 thoracic radiographs obtained from 128 foals were evaluated to assess the impact of pulmonary radiographic pattern, distribution, and severity of pulmonary changes on short-term survival of neonatal foals. The association between selected clinical variables and the radiographic manifestation of neonatal respiratory disease was also investigated. The evaluation of interstitial and alveolar-interstitial radiographic patterns within the caudodorsal, caudoventral, and cranioventral lung regions proved to be highly reliable between viewers in the study. A diagnosis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome was related to increased pulmonary infiltrates within the caudodorsal lung region. Dyspneic foals had more extensive pulmonary infiltrates within the cranioventral lung, advanced respiratory disease, and lower survival rates. A fibrinogen concentration >400 mg/dL was associated with increased cranioventral radiographic abnormalities. In addition, tachypnea most consistently related to diffuse (caudodorsal, caudoventral, and cranioventral) pulmonary changes. Neutropenia, milk reflux from the nares, upper airway pathology, abnormal respiratory sounds, failure of transfer of passive immunity (IgG concentration <400 mg/dL), immaturity, or fever, however, were not related to radiographic pattern, distribution, or severity of radiographic changes. Sixty-five percent of foals with radiographic pulmonary disease were discharged alive from our referral hospital. Concurrent caudodorsal and caudoventral radiographic disease was most frequently observed in this foal population. Increased caudodorsal radiographic scores retained statistical significance as a prognostic indicator for nonsurvival in a multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis.     

PLEURAL FLUID MOVEMENT

The present study was an attempt to illustrate the differences between ventrodorsal (VD) and dorsoventral (DV) radiographs that result from the movement of free pleural fluid. A volume of 25 ml/kg of normal saline was introduced into the pleural space of a normal dog, and radiographs of the thorax were produced in ventral and dorsal recumbency using a vertical (overhead) x-ray beam and a laterally directed horizontal x-ray beam. On the DV projection (ventral recumbency) the heart, cranial mediastinum, cranial lung lobes, and the ventral aspect of the diaphragm were submersed in fluid, which resulted in the loss of radiographically detectable borders. On the VD projection (dorsal recumbency) radiographic visualization of these structures was improved due to movement of the free pleural fluid away from them, toward the dependent caudodorsal aspect of the thorax. Radiographs of three dogs with spontaneous pleural effusion are presented to illustrate the differences in radiographic appearance of the thorax with pleural effusion when radiographed in DV and VD projections. The movement of fluid to the dorsocaudal thoracic cavity in dorsal recumbency caused lesions that were obscured on the DV projection to be revealed on the VD projection. the authors therefore recommend the use of the VD projection of the thorax in patients with pleural fluid when clinical status permits.     

Abdominal and thoracic radiography in the neonate.

Plain and contrast radiographic techniques are used infrequently in the diagnostic evaluation of abdominal or thoracic disease in the adult horse because of the animal's large body size and the limited availability and expense of suitable equipment. The importance of radiography as a critical tool has also been lessened through the accessibility of ultrasound, although this technique is limited by depth and offers only a superficial window. Traditional radiographic techniques can be readily used in young foals because of their small body size, and radiography frequently provides critical information that aids in decision making. The ability to physically restrain a foal allows not only standing lateral images, but laterally recumbent and ventrodorsal views without the necessity for general anesthesia.     

RADIOGRAPHY OF THE EQUINE THORAX: ANATOMY AND TECHNIC

Radiographic evaluation of the entire adult equine thorax in the standing position requires a minimum of four overlapping lateral radiographs. Small horses could often be studied with fewer radiographs. This basic examination provided the optimal radiographic opportunity for detecting lung diseases in the horse. An understanding of normal gross and radiographic anatomy is an absolute necessity if one is to avoid the potential diagnostic pitfalls inherent in radiographic interpretation of the equine thorax. Of equal importance is an appreciation for the technic required to produce thoracic radiographs. The advent of rare-earth intensifying screen and highspeed film systems has enhanced the opportunity for obtaining diagnostic standing lateral equine thoracic radiographs.     

Accuracy of body weight prediction in Alpine ibex (Capra ibex, L. 1758) using morphometry

The relationship between weight and body measurements of 227 Alpine ibex Capra ibex (162 males and 65 females, age range: 2-16 years) were analysed by linear and multiple regression. The animals were live-captured across all seasons of the year, in the Western Italian Alps, 1986-1994. The relationship between weight and body measurements changed with sex and season. In male ibex, the best annual estimation of the body weight was obtained using as predictor variables the squared value of the chest girth and age. In females, the best predictive variables were age, total body length and withers height. Age was always selected as a predictor variable, when considered in the prediction models. The use of chest girth and the squared value of the chest girth as predictive variables in the regression equation, being the most highly correlated linear measurements with total weight, did not result in an accurate prediction of ibex body weight. The best prediction was obtained using age and different linear measurements in stepwise multiple regression, nevertheless the standard error of the estimate and the magnitude of the 95% prediction interval were great. The use of linear measurements cannot be considered accurate nor precise predictors of body weight in Alpine ibex.     

COMPARISON OF TWO- VS. THREE-VIEW THORACIC RADIOGRAPHIC STUDIES ON CONSPICUITY OF STRUCTURED INTERSTITIAL PATTERNS IN DOGS

Three-view thoracic radiography is often used to evaluate patients for pulmonary metastatic disease. Although use of three views has been reported to be more sensitive than two views for focal lung disease, it also requires increased time, effort, and radiographic exposure of patients and personnel. This study was performed to evaluate the conspicuity of lesions on two-view vs. three-view radiographic procedures to determine the proportion of diagnoses that would change. One hundred three-view radiographic studies of the canine thorax were randomized, and four protocols were reviewed for each study: right lateral and ventrodorsal views, left lateral and ventrodorsal views, both lateral views, and all three views. Radiographs were interpreted as either positive or negative for structured interstitial pulmonary disease, and the certainty of the reading was recorded using a visual analog scale. There was 85-88% agreement between each two-view group and the three-view group, with the kapp statistic ranging from 0.698 to 0.758. There were no differences in certainty of diagnosis among the groups, though within each group there was more certainty for positive diagnoses than negative diagnoses. These findings indicate that three-view studies should be continued when evaluating for possible structured interstitial pulmonary disease, including metastatic disease, as eliminating one view from a three-view study would change the diagnosis in 12-15% of patients.     

强制填饲对永康灰鹅屠宰性能的影响

 试验选取同批健康永康灰鹅30只,随机分为填饲组和对照组,观测两组鹅的体重、肥肝重、肉质、以及体尺与屠体性状等参数,结果表明,填饲组鹅的体重、肝重、腹脂重极显著高于对照组（P＜0.01）,鹅不饱和脂肪酸的相对含量明显高于饱和脂肪酸的含量,而填饲前后差异不显著,其屠体性状数据显示胫长、胫围、胸宽、骨盆宽、体斜长、龙骨长及半潜水长均与半净膛重和全净膛重极显著相关（P＜0.01）,胸深与半净膛重呈显著相关（P＜0.05）,与全净膛重没有显著相关性。各项体尺指标中只有骨盆宽与腹脂重存在极显著相关（P＜0.01）,其他指标相关性不显著。     

Lateral thoracotomy and cellophane handing of a congenital portoazygous shunt in a dog

A portoazygous venous shunt was identified in the caudodorsal aspect of the thorax in a young basset hound. During thoracotomy, the anomalous vessel was encircled with sterile cellophane tape. The vein became occluded based on postoperative radiographic examination and improved clinical function five weeks after surgery.     

Estimation of the Body Weight of Icelandic Horses

The body weight of horses is an interesting variable for horse owners, as well as for veterinarians. It is useful to have methods of estimation like weight tape or formula, rather than visual estimation, when a weight scale is not available. Different methods of weight estimation exist for adult horses, but to date, there has been no validation of these methods in Icelandic horses. Therefore, three different methods of weight determination (weight scale, weight tape, and weight formula) were compared in this study to investigate whether it is possible to obtain reliable weight measurements of Icelandic horses by using an estimation method. Both the weight pursuant to weight tape and pursuant to weight formula showed no significant differences (P = 1.00 and P = 0.37, respectively) from the actual weight. The correlation between estimated and actual weights was r = 0.94 for weight tape and r = 0.93 for weight formula. However, the differences between the estimated and actual weights were smallest when estimated using an adjusted weight formula: weight (kg) = girth² × length (both in cm)/11,400. In conclusion, the body weight of Icelandic horses can be estimated from the measurements of body girth and length, and weight tape also seems to be a suitable method.     

Relationship Between Echocardiographic Measurements and Body Size in Horses

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the optimal body size variable, and to determine mathematical model that best fits echocardiographic measurements to body size in the equine species. One hundred fifty horses of various breeds, aged 1 week to 17 years, body weight (BW) 38-890 kg, and free from cardiac disease were used in this study. Based on their age (ie, younger or older than 2 years), animals were separated into two groups. In each horse, the BW, height at withers (HT), thoracic circumference (TC), and the body length were measured; the body surface area was calculated; and a standard two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography was performed allowing classic cardiac measurements to be taken. Correlations between each echocardiographic measurement and each of the anthropometric variables were assessed via a Pearson's product-moment analysis and using linear, logarithmic, and power regression analysis in all animals and within the two groups. The dimensional, but not functional, echocardiographic measurements showed a close correlation with all body size variables, especially during growth. The relationship between cardiac measurements and body size was best described using power regression models with TC as the anthropometric variable, but the relationship was also very accurately described using BW, body surface area, or body length. In the equine species, dimensional echocardiographic reference values should be established using power regression equations on TC. Such a correction for body size could increase the diagnostic value of echocardiography in equine cardiology.     

Clinical signs and clinicopathologic abnormalities in dogs with clinical spirocercosis: 39 cases (1996-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical signs and clinicopathologic abnormalities in dogs with naturally occurring clinical spirocercosis. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 39 dogs with spirocercosis. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed, and information on signalment, residence (rural vs urban), owner complaints, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic abnormalities, radiographic and endoscopic findings, and concurrent systemic diseases was recorded. RESULTS: Hellenic hounds and mixed-breed dogs were overrepresented, compared with a group of 117 control dogs without spirocercosis that were examined because of gastrointestinal tract disease, and mean body weight of dogs with spirocercosis was significantly higher than mean body weight of control dogs. Odynophagia (34 [87%]), regurgitation (24 [62%]), and excessive salivation (14 [36%]) were the most common clinical findings. The most common radiographic abnormalities were a mass in the caudodorsal aspect of the mediastinum (15/35 [43%]) and spondylitis of the caudal thoracic vertebrae (10 [29%]). Parasitic nodules were seen during esophagoscopy in all 39 dogs. Normocytic, normochromic, nonregenerative anemia; neutrophilic leukocytosis; hyperproteinemia; and high alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly more common in dogs with spirocercosis than in a control group of 56 healthy dogs. Concurrent systemic diseases, mainly leishmaniosis, dirofilariosis, and monocytic ehrlichiosis, were documented in 14 (36%) dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that clinical spirocercosis occurs more often in young-adult, large-breed dogs. Nonregenerative anemia, neutrophilic leukocytosis, hyperproteinemia, and high alkaline phosphatase activity may be useful clinicopathologic indicators of this disease.     

康县太平鸡体尺性状与屠宰性状的测定及相关性分析

为探究康县太平鸡的体尺性状、屠宰性状及两者间的相关性,以40周龄的健康太平鸡为研究对象,测定其体尺性状与屠宰性状,并对所有测定性状指标间的相关性进行分析。结果表明：40周龄太平鸡体斜长为21.87 cm、龙骨长为10.70 cm、胫长为9.01 cm、胫围为4.32 cm、胸围为28.05 cm、胸深为10.65 cm、胸宽为6.82 cm、骨盆宽为7.65 cm;宰前活重为1 920.7 g、屠体重为1 712.5 g、半净膛重为1 533.4 g、全净膛重为1 314.3 g、胸肌重为277.6 g、腿肌重为395.5 g、屠宰率为89.1%、半净膛率为79.3%、全净膛率为67.8%、胸肌率为20.8%、腿肌率为27.1%、心重率12.2%、腹脂率3.0%。太平鸡体斜长、胸围、胫长、胫围与屠体重、全净膛重、半净膛重、腿肌重之间呈极显著正相关（P＜0.01）。结论：太平鸡产肉性能好、低脂,体斜长、胸围、胫长、胫围可以作为太平鸡屠宰性能选育的指标。     

Hypoxemia in the Acutely Traumatized Canine Patient

One hundred acutely traumatized dogs were evaluated for the presence of cardiopulmonary abnormalities with thoracic radiographs, electrocardiography and arterial blood gas analysis. Fifty-seven dogs were found to have concurrent appendicular fracture(s) and thoracic injury as defined by an abnormality in one or more of the variables evaluated. Thoracic radiographs were abnormal in 44 dogs. Ventricular arrhythmias were identified in 17 dogs. Hypoxemia (PaO₂ < 80 mmHg) was detected in 25 dogs. Hypoxemia was noted with increased frequency in dogs with abnormal thoracic radiographs. Ventricular arrhythmias occurred more frequently in the hypoxemic group of dogs.
Although a relationship was noted between the presence of hypoxemia, radiographic changes of the thorax and ECG abnormalities, all three examinations provided important information for assessing the cardiopulmonary status of each patient.     

Primary hyperparathyroidism in a 17‐year‐old Arab × Welsh Cob pony mare with a functional parathyroid adenoma

Primary hyperparathyroidism was identified in a 17‐year‐old Arab × Welsh Pony mare that experienced weight loss for 6 months and was presented with mild facial asymmetry, right forelimb lameness and weight shifting amongst all limbs. Osteodystrophia fibrosa was demonstrated on radiographic examination of the head and there was radiographic evidence of osteopenia of the appendicular skeleton. The horse had persistent hypercalcaemia (4.0 mmol/l), hypophosphataemia (0.59 mmol/l) and an increased concentration of circulating parathyroid hormone (1401 pg/ml). On scintigraphic examination, a subjective focal increase in uptake of ^99mtechnetium‐sestamibi was identified in the right thyroid gland and at the thoracic inlet in delayed images. Surgical exploration of the thyroid region was unrewarding, whereas surgery at the thoracic inlet was not undertaken. One year later, the horse developed a pathological fracture of the third metacarpal bone and was subjected to euthanasia. At post mortem examination, a parathyroid adenoma was found at the level of the thoracic inlet adjacent to the trachea. Gross and histological examination also confirmed severe osteodystrophia fibrosa and osteopenia.     

Fluoroscopic and radiographic evaluation of tracheal collapse in dogs: 62 cases (2001-2006)

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of radiography and fluoroscopy for detection and grading of tracheal collapse in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. Animals-62 dogs with tracheal collapse. PROCEDURES: For each dog, tracheal collapse was confirmed fluoroscopically and lateral cervical and thoracic radiographic views were reviewed. A board-certified radiologist (who was unaware of the dogs' clinical history) evaluated the cervical, thoracic inlet, thoracic, carinal, and main stem bronchial regions in all fluoroscopic videos and radiographic images for evidence of collapse. Cervical, thoracic inlet, thoracic, and carinal regions in both radio-graphic and fluoroscopic studies were graded for collapse (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% decrease in diameter). RESULTS: Lateral cervical and thoracic radiographic images were available for 54 dogs, and inspiratory and expiratory lateral cervical and thoracic radiographic images were available for 8 dogs. For detection of tracheal collapse, assessment of radiographic views was sensitive and had the best negative predictive value in the cervical and thoracic inlet regions. Assessment of radiographic views was most specific and had the best positive predictive value in the thoracic inlet, thoracic, carina, and main stem bronchial regions. Radiography underestimated the degree of collapse in all areas. Review of inspiratory and expiratory views improved the accuracy of radiography for tracheal collapse diagnosis only slightly. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Compared with fluoroscopy, radiography underestimated the frequency and degree of tracheal collapse. However, radiography appears to be useful for screening dogs with potential tracheal collapse.     

Overriding vertebral spinous processes in the extinct horse, Equus occidentalis

Lumbar and thoracic vertebrae of the extinct horse, Equus occidentalis, were examined for gross and radiographic evidence of overriding spinous processes. Of 2,661 vertebrae examined, 580 had intact spinous processes. Thirty-six intact spinous processes, which appeared grossly similar to overriding spinous processes in the modern domestic horse, E caballus caballus, were radiographed. Of these 36 vertebrae, 2 had radiographic signs compatible with a radiographic diagnosis of overriding spinous processes, ie, radiographically observed lysis and/or sclerosis. Seemingly, weight bearing or other stresses imposed by human beings may not have induced the signs of overriding spinous processes.     

Prediction of body weight from body measurements in grass cutters

In order to predict the body weight of grass cutters from linear body measurements, the weights and measurements of 50 intensively managed female grass cutters aged 5 months were fitted into linear, quadratic and cubic regression models. Highly significant (p?<?0.01) R ² values ranging from 74 to 98 % were obtained indicating that all body measurements were good predictors of body weight. Although quadratic and cubic models gave slightly higher R ² values than linear models, it is recommended that farmers should use a simple linear equation based on tail length or heart girth to predict the body weight of their grass cutters. The recommended equations are (weight in kg)?=?0.47?+?0.08 (tail length in cm) and (weight in kg)?=?0.32?+?0.07 (heart girth in cm).     

青海高原型牦牛生长发育研究

[目的]为研发高原有机牦牛肉提供依据。[方法]对高原型牦牛和改良型牦牛进行了生长发育项目的测定。[结果]在正常年景下,高原型牦牛出生、1周岁、2周岁、3周岁和4周岁体重分别为：11.90±2.10 kg、98.27±24.33 kg、162.63±27.37 kg、194.52±45.05 kg和237.62±33.44 kg。高原型牦牛出生至4周岁日增重速度随年龄的增长,呈下降趋势;体高、体长、胸围和体重日增长曲线拐点出现在1周岁及稍后一段时间。出生时改良型牦牛的体高、体斜长极显著高于高原型牦牛（P〈0.01）,胸围、管围和体重比高原型牦牛高出1.15 cm、0.12 cm和0.39 kg。1周岁时改良型牦牛的胸围和体重极显著低于高原型牦牛（P〈0.01）,体高、体长和管围比高原型牦牛低1.4 cm4、.57 cm和0.18 cm。[结论]在品种改良现阶段,良种是提高改良效果的核心内容,但良好的饲养管理水平才是体现改良效果、发挥改良潜能的关键。     

COMPARISON OF RADIOGRAPHIC AND SCINTIGRAPHIC FINDINGS OF THE SPINOUS PROCESSES IN THE EQUINE THORACOLUMBAR REGION

Back pain is common in horses, but there has been no large‐scale in‐depth study describing radiographic changes of the spinous processes, the relationship between radiographic and scintigraphic findings, and the effect of size, age, breed, or discipline. The objectives were to investigate the frequency of occurrence in horses with perceived back pain of: (1) radiographic alteration of the spinous process structure; (2) increased radiopharmaceutical uptake (IRU) in the spinous processes; and (3) to compare radiographic and scintigraphic findings; and to determine if there was breed, gender, age, bodyweight, height, or work discipline predisposition for close, impinging, or overriding spinous processes. Radiographic and scintigraphic images of the thoracolumbar spine of 604 horses were graded. A radiographic grade for each spinous process (T8–L6) was assigned (0–7). The maximum radiographic grade for each horse was defined as the highest grade assigned to any spinous process; the total radiographic grade was the sum of all grades for each horse. A scintigraphic grade for each spinous process was determined (0–3). The maximum scintigraphic grade for each horse was defined as the highest grade assigned to any spinous process; the total scintigraphic grade was the sum of all grades for each horse. Associations between radiology and scintigraphy and age, gender, breed, height, weight, and discipline were analyzed statistically. The severity of radiographic lesions of the spinous processes was associated with the severity of scintigraphic abnormalities. The caudal thoracic spine (T14–T17) was most frequently affected. There was a significant breed and age effect, with Thoroughbreds and older horses having higher total and maximum radiographic grades. The severity of the lesions of the spinous processes was significantly associated with the presence of osteoarthritis of the articular process joints. It was concluded that there is a wide range of radiographic abnormalities of the spinous processes seen in horses with or without back pain. There is an association between radiographic and scintigraphic grades of the spinous processes.     

湖北白猪活体测定性状与屠宰性状间的典型相关分析

通过对湖北白猪新系90头样本的话体测定性状的9个变量与屠宰测定性状的10个变量之间的典型相关分析,得出了决定两组性状间相关关系的三对典型变量.湖北白猪活体测定性状与屠宰测定性状之间的相关主要是由:腹围、臀宽及活体膘厚与板油率密切相关,胸围、臀宽、臀长、臀围与屠宰率及后腿比例密切相关,及体长、胸围与瘦肉率和肥肉率间的较强相关所决定的.分析表明在湖北白猪新品系选育中,要加强胸围选择,注意保持适宜的体长.可以依据三个活体性状典型变量的信息利用达到改良屠宰性状的目的.