Computed tomography of testicular torsion in a juvenile dog with unilateral cryptorchidism

A 14-week-old male unilaterally cryptorchid Clumber spaniel was presented for acute lethargy. Physical examination revealed abdominal pain, and a single testis was palpated in the scrotum. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) revealed a poorly vascularized, ovoid structure immediately caudal to the left kidney with scant regional peritoneal effusion. Left intra-abdominal testicular torsion was confirmed at surgery, and routine cryptorchidectomy was performed. The patient recovered uneventfully from anesthesia and surgery.Key clinical message:The most common CT characteristics of testicular torsion were present in this case and correlated well with sonographic findings to allow for rapid, accurate diagnosis and surgical planning of unilateral, non-neoplastic, intra-abdominal cryptorchid testicular torsion in a juvenile dog. Contrast enhanced CT facilitated accurate localization of the undescended testis and evaluation of testicular perfusion and may be a useful alternative to ultrasound for diagnosing testicular torsion, especially in indeterminate cases.     

Intraabdominal torsion of a neoplastic testicle and prostatic cyst in a cryptorchid dog

The present report describes a case of a nine-year old male bilaterally cryptorchid boxer presented with testicular torsion and concurrent prostatic cyst. Clinical signs included anorexia, locomotor difficulty and apathy. Abdominal palpation revealed the presence of a hard and painful mass in caudal abdomen. Ultrasonographic findings were compatible with testicular torsion and prostatic cyst, confirmed at surgery. Bilateral orchiectomy and omentalisation were performed. Histopathological examination of the torsed testicle revealed alterations consistent with seminoma.     

Ultrasonographic appearance of torsion of a testicular seminoma in a cryptorchid dog

An intra-abdominal testicular tumour was diagnosed in a 10-year-old, male, cryptorchid golden retriever. Upon surgical removal, torsion of the testis was found. The histopathological diagnosis was seminoma. The ultrasound examination in this case revealed a parenchymal mass lesion. An ultrasound examination is a useful supplemental diagnostic tool for differentiation of abdominal mass lesions.     

Septic orchitis in an alpaca

An adult, intact male alpaca was presented with an acute onset of unilateral scrotal swelling. Following complete physical and ultrasonographic examination, the most likely differential diagnoses were orchitis, hematoma, and testicular torsion. The animal was castrated and histopathologic evaluation revealed unilateral orchitis. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus was cultured.     

RADIOGRAPHIC AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS OF LIVER LOBE TORSION IN A DOG

A twelve-year-old neutered male beagle presented for a cranial abdominal mass. The results of physical examination, laboratory tests, radiography, and ultrasonography are presented. A torsion of the quadrate lobe of the liver was diagnosed at surgery and confirmed by histopathology. A brief discussion of liver lobe torsion is presented.     

Malignant seminoma with systemic metastases in a dog

A three-year-old male crossbred dog was presented with multiple cutaneous nodules on the dorsum. Unilateral testicular enlargement ensued. Histopathological examination of testicular tissue and the skin lesions revealed a malignant seminoma. Despite the initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy, the dog died three months later due to systemic metastases of the seminoma to the skin, scrotum, eyes, liver, kidney and peritoneum.     

Hepatic lobe torsion in a horse

A 4-year-old Belgian mare was presented with a 1-week history of fever, suspected of being caused by peritonitis. The mare died before the diagnostic procedures had been completed; postmortem examination revealed torsion of the left medial lobe of the liver, resulting in diffuse necrosis of liver tissue and severe peritoneal effusion.     

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of a primary splenic torsion in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

A 4-year-old female spayed domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) presented with a history of vomiting over 24 hours. On physical examination, a significantly enlarged, firm spleen was palpated. Abdominal radiographs and abdominal ultrasound were suggestive of a splenic torsion or splenic infarction. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed the initial diagnosis and splenectomy was performed using a vessel sealing device. Histologic evaluation and culture of the spleen were consistent with primary torsion without evidence of infection or neoplasia. The patient recovered from surgery without complications. Based on a literature search, this is the first report of the clinical diagnosis and successful surgical treatment of a primary splenic torsion in a ferret. Although it appears to be a rare and potentially life-threatening disease in ferrets, splenic torsion should be considered as a differential diagnosis in ferrets that present with non-specific signs and a palpably enlarged spleen.     

Hydroureteronephrosis and fetal mummification secondary to uterine torsion in a Merino ewe

A 6 year old pluriparous Merino ewe was presented for investigation of a large intra-abdominal mass. Post-mortem examination revealed a 360° clockwise uterine torsion was present with a mummifying fetus. The torsion involved the left ureter resulting in a severe hydroureteronephrosis. Uterine torsion is uncommon in the ewe, occurring in less than 0.1% of pregnancies in one report (Mahmoud et al. Livest Res Rural Dev 2018;30), but cases are likely to be undiagnosed, particularly under the extensive management conditions typical of Australia. The chronicity of the condition in this ewe would support this statement. To the authors' knowledge this is the first reported case of hydroureteronephrosis secondary to uterine torsion in any species.     

Clinical Techniques: Successful Management of Liver Lobe Torsion in a Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) by Surgical Lobectomy

This article describes the management of a case of liver lobe torsion in a domestic rabbit, which was presented with lethargy, abdominal pain and a palpable abdominal mass. Laboratory investigations showed anemia, hypoalbuminemia and raised liver enzymes. An exploratory laparotomy revealed torsion and necrosis of the caudate liver lobe. The affected lobe was removed by lobectomy. The rabbit made a rapid recovery and was in good health at a follow-up examination three months later.     

Unilateral Seminoma in a Dromedary Camel

A 10‐year‐old, clinically healthy, male dromedary camel had presented a history of progressive unilateral testicular enlargement over the past 5 years. The animal had mated with 32 females during that period; all had conceived. The sex ratio of his offspring was one male to 31 females. Ultrasound examination of the right testicle revealed a diffusely heterogeneous parenchyma with no identifiable normal testicular tissue. The enlarged testicle was surgically removed. Macroscopically, the testicle had a glistening pink surface and contained multiple soft, bulging nodules. Histopathologically, a well‐differentiated, diffuse seminoma was diagnosed. In conclusion, this study describes the fertility, sex ratio, clinical findings and ultrasonographic imaging in a male dromedary camel affected with unilateral testicular seminoma.     

Recurrent torsion of the spermatic cord and scrotal testis in a stallion

A stallion was twice referred for evaluation of scrotal swelling and signs of pain. The first admission followed a 3-year period of recurrent signs of left-sided scrotal pain and swelling. After the removal of the left testis because of testicular torsion, the stallion was returned to service. The conception rate was 82% for the next breeding season. Two years after initial surgery, the stallion again was evaluated because of acute signs of right-sided scrotal pain and swelling. Right-sided testicular torsion was detected and corrected, and the testis was sutured in place. The stallion's conception rate for the following breeding season was greater than 90%.     

XY male pseudohermaphroditism in a captive Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx).

A 2-yr-old Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) was presented for evaluation of abnormal genitalia and infantile behavior. The oryx had a penis and a scrotum, but testes were not palpable within the scrotum or inguinal canal. The total serum testosterone for the individual was lower than in age-matched males of the same species. Surgical exploration showed markedly hypoplastic intra-abdominal gonads, which demonstrated both testicular and uterine tissue on histologic examination. After karyotype analysis, the individual was classified as an XY male pseudohermaphrodite. This condition resembles two human intersex syndromes: embryonic testicular regression syndrome and partial gonadal dysgenesis syndrome, which occur in familial lines.     

Unilateral testicular mastocytoma in a Peruvian Paso stallion

A 12‐year‐old Peruvian Paso stallion was examined for scrotal swelling and unilateral testicular enlargement of 4–6 weeks duration. Physical examination and ultrasonography of the scrotum revealed an enlarged, nonpainful right testis with a well encapsulated mass at the cranial‐medial aspect containing echodense flocculent material. Unilateral castration was performed and the testis, spermatic cord and vaginal tunic were submitted for histological examination, which revealed a mastocytoma with accompanying evidence of malignancy. Short‐term follow‐up examination did not reveal any evidence of abdominal metastasis and the stallion has since successfully achieved pregnancy in a small number of mares. Although considered rare, mast cell neoplasia should be considered as a differential diagnosis when unilateral testicular enlargement is encountered.     

Torsion of the uterus--a cause of colic in the mare.

A case of uterine torsion in a mare with colic is described in which an early diagnosis was made and the torsion successfully reduced through a standing laparotomy with survival of both the mare and the foal. This case is used to stress the importance of thorough examination of all pregnant mares with colic in order to differentiate uterine torsion from other causes of abdominal pain, thereby avoiding delay in surgical correction and reducing the risk of fetal and/or maternal death. The advantages of the standing laparotomy are presented in support of this method of treatment of torsion of the gravid uterus.     

Simultaneous presence of a seminoma and a leiomyoma in the testes of a horse

An 18‐year‐old stallion was presented for castration because of insidious, bilateral scrotal enlargement of one year's duration. The left testis was firm, while the right was soft and lobulated; both were larger than normal. Palpation of the scrotum and its contents did not cause the horse to show signs of discomfort. Ultrasonography of scrotal contents revealed abnormal, heterogeneous tissue with ill defined regions of hyper‐ and hypoechogenity throughout both testes. Several hours after admission the horse developed severe signs of colic. On the basis of anamnesis, clinical findings, and results of ultrasonography and transrectal palpation bilateral testicular neoplasia and incarcerated inguinal hernia were tentatively diagnosed. Because the horse's owner did not consent to surgical treatment, the stallion was subjected to euthanasia. Histological and immunohistochemical examination of the testicular tissue collected post mortem revealed a seminoma in the left testis and a leiomyoma in the right testis. The post mortem examination also revealed incarceration of the small intestine in addition to the testicular tumours. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the simultaneous presence of bilateral, yet different testicular tumour types in a stallion.     

Torsion of the Uterus — A Cause of Colic in the Mare

A case of uterine torsion in a mare with colic is described in which an early diagnosis was made and the torsion successfully reduced through a standing laparotomy with survival of both the mare and the foal. This case is used to stress the importance of thorough examination of all pregnant mares with colic in order to differentiate uterine torsion from other causes of abdominal pain, thereby avoiding delay in surgical correction and reducing the risk of fetal and/or maternal death. The advantages of the standing laparotomy are presented in support of this method of treatment of torsion of the gravid uterus.     

Bilateral epidiymal cysts in an alpaca male used for breeding

A 4-year-old alpaca stud was presented for examination of his reproductive tract. Ultrasonographic examination of the gonads revealed 2 cystic structures associated with the head of each epididymis. Biopsies of each testicle evidenced mild testicular degeneration. Histopathologic examination of the gonads revealed cystic efferent ductules in the head of each epididymis.     

Testicular torsion in the dog: a review of 13 cases.

The clinical and pathological features of testicular torsion in 13 dogs are reviewed. The affected gonads were intra-abdominal in 11 animals, and inguinal and scrotal respectively in two others. In most cases, the torsion appeared to result from neoplastic enlargement of the testis.     

Use of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography in the diagnosis of a liver lobe torsion in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

A 1‐year‐old male French Lop rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was presented with a sudden onset of hyporexia. Physical examination revealed cranial abdominal discomfort. Liver enzymes were elevated on serum biochemistry profile. Abdominal radiographs showed diffusely gas‐dilated small intestinal loops. On abdominal ultrasound, a lobe in the right aspect of the liver was hypoechoic with rounded margins and was surrounded by hyperechoic fat and anechoic fluid. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography showed complete lack of perfusion in the abnormal right liver lobe. Exploratory laparotomy revealed torsion of the quadrate liver lobe. Diffuse coagulation necrosis was noted on histopathologic examination. The rabbit fully recovered after surgery.