Pathogenesis of canine aural hematomas

Morphologic examination of 3 ears from 2 dogs with aural hematomas revealed that the hematomas had developed within the pinnal cartilage. The cartilage had fractured from perichondrium to perichondrium and in some areas clefts had formed within the cartilage. Cartilage fracture could have resulted from wave motions set up in the pinna during head shaking. An explosive burst of head shaking exceeding a critical head velocity or a more gentle but sustained head shaking establishing a sinusoidal wave motion within the ear could have caused cartilage fracture.     

Detection of papillomavirus DNA in precancerous lesions of the ears of sheep

Sixty-seven benign precancerous cutaneous lesions from the ears of 51 sheep were examined for papillomavirus DNA by hybridisation to radioactively labelled or biotinylated probes of bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV 1) DNA under varying conditions of stringency. An additional 16 precancerous lesions from other cutaneous sites on 15 sheep and 15 samples of lesion-free skin from nine sheep were similarly examined. Both total genomic and subgenomic probes were used. DNA from 10 aural lesions and one vulval lesion reacted with the probe in a manner indicative of the presence of episomal papillomavirus DNA. Papillomavirus DNA was detected at low stringency in eight of the 10 aural lesions and the vulval lesions, and at high stringency in two aural lesions. Three out of the 8 aural lesions that were positive at low stringency reacted when re-tested at high stringency. Hybridisation with one of the samples of lesion-free ovine skin produced occasional equivocal signals. One particular positive lesion, an ovine aural cutaneous horn, was studied in more detail. When treated with restriction endonucleases, its restriction enzyme pattern was the same as that for BPV 2 DNA with eight of twelve enzymes and the same as that for BPV 1 DNA with two of the twelve enzymes. It was concluded that this ovine papillomavirus was more closely related to BPV 2 than to BPV 1. The possibility that it could be a subtype of BPV 2 is discussed.     

Canine calvarial subperiosteal hematomas are fluid to soft tissue attenuating mass‐like lesions with smoothly marginated peripheral mineralization on CT

Subperiosteal hematomas are accumulations of blood between a bone and the periosteum leading to elevation of the periosteum. When ossified they have a mineralized outer rim. For this retrospective, multi‐institutional case series, medical records were searched to identify dogs that underwent CT for focal calvarial swellings noted acutely after trauma. A total of four dogs were included. Computed tomography images were reviewed for each case. The focal swellings had progressed in size during the weeks after the head trauma until the time of imaging. Findings in all cases included a fluid to soft tissue attenuating mass‐like lesion with smoothly marginated peripheral mineralization. Diagnosis was confirmed in two cases by cytology and/or histopathology. Therefore, authors recommend that subperiosteal hematoma be included in the differential diagnosis list for dogs with these clinical and CT characteristics. Based on our review of the literature, this is the first report to describe the CT features of calvarial subperiosteal hematomas in dogs.     

金毛犬耳痒螨病引发耳血肿的诊断和治疗

犬耳痒螨病是由犬耳痒螨（Otodecees cymotis）寄生于耳道内引起的皮肤寄生虫病。犬耳血肿是在外力作用下致使犬耳部血管破裂、出血,血液集聚在耳软骨与耳廓内侧皮肤之间形成的肿胀。耳痒螨病是引发耳血肿的重要病因,一旦发病需要及时治疗,严重者采用手术疗法。对一例犬耳痒螨病引发耳血肿进行了诊治,特将诊治过程和相关分析做具体介绍,以供临床参考。     

Penile hematoma in bulls: 60 cases (1979-1990).

Sixty bulls with penile hematomas were examined from 1979 through 1990. Thirty-eight bulls underwent surgical correction, 17 bulls were managed by medical treatment, and 5 bulls were not treated. Hereford and Polled Hereford breeds represented the majority (n = 37, 62%) of the bulls, with 10 other breeds representing the remainder (n = 21, 35%) in this study; breed was not reported in 2 bulls. Follow-up information was obtained from owners (40/60) through conversation on the success or failure of treatment, interval of sexual rest, duration of breeding soundness, and final outcome of the bull. Surgical correction was successful in 19 (70%) of 27 cases; medical treatment was successful in 6 (46%) of 13 cases. Of the 8 bulls that had penile hematomas with swelling measuring > 20 cm in width, 6 were successfully treated surgically, compared with 1 of 3 successfully treated medically. Of the bulls with penile hematomas having a swelling measuring < or = 20 cm in width, 7 of 9 were successfully treated surgically, compared with 4 of 5 successfully treated medically. Duration of the penile hematoma had little effect on the success of surgical correction. Of the bulls allowed sexual rest for > 2 months after treatment was initiated, 6 (25%) of 24 had a recurrence of penile hematoma. Four (40%) of 10 bulls allowed sexual rest for < or = 2 months had a recurrence of penile hematoma.     

Hematomas in the thymus in dogs

Twenty dogs with a hematoma of the thymus are described. In four dogs the cause of the hematoma was a ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the aorta and in three cases the dogs had been hit by cars. In seven dogs the necks were overstretched by different factors. One dog was hit by a stone. In two dogs no anamnestic data were available, and in the last three cases, according to owner's statements, no trauma had occurred before the first signs. Thymic hemorrhages in the dog should not be considered to be a circumscribed pathogenetic entity. Indications are offered that trauma, or even commonly occurring microtrauma, can be involved in the pathogenesis of the hematomas in the thymus.     

The efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara®) in the treatment of aural plaque in horses: a pilot open‐label clinical trial

Aural plaques affect at least 22% of horses and can be asymptomatic or cause ear sensitivity. Immunohistochemical and electron microscopy studies have shown a strong association between aural plaques and papilloma virus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream, an immune response modifier with potent antiviral activity, in the treatment of equine aural plaques. Twenty‐one horses were enrolled and 16 completed the study. Imiquimod 5% cream was applied three times a week, every other week. When both ears were affected only the worst affected ear was treated. Adverse effects in all horses included marked local inflammation, exudation and thick crust formation at the site of treatment and the adjacent skin. Removal of the crust before treatment was painful and required sedation in most horses. Complete resolution of lesions was noted in all horses immediately post‐treatment and the long‐term resolution rate was 87.5%. Duration of therapy ranged from 1.5 to 8 months (median: 2.9 mean: 3.5). All horses were followed‐up for 12–22 months after treatment was discontinued and only two horses had a recurrence of lesions. Clinical signs related to the aural plaques prior to treatment were reported in 11 of 16 (68.8%) horses and included resistance to touching the ears and bridling. Complete resolution of these signs was reported by the owners in all of the horses followed‐up for at least 12 months. In conclusion, the topical application of imiquimod 5% cream is an efficacious treatment for aural plaques in horses.     

Use of CO2 laser as an adjunctive treatment for caudal stomatitis in a cat

Lasers have become a popular tool in veterinary practice, particularly the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. In humans, the CO2 laser is used most commonly in oral and maxillofacial soft tissue surgery due to its favorable interactions with oral soft tissues. Other types of lasers are better suited for use on hard tissues such as enamel and dentin. This article reviews the history of laser use, physics of laser-tissue interaction, delivery systems, and laser types used in dentistry and oral surgery. This is followed by a case report describing the use of CO2 laser as an adjunctive treatment for therapy of refractory caudal stomatitis in a cat.     

Evaluation of equine papillomas, aural plaques, and sarcoids for the presence of Equine papillomavirus DNA and Papillomavirus antigen

Immunohistochemical (IHC) testing and electron microscopy have implicated Papillomavirus (PV) as the etiologic agent for equine papillomas and aural plaques, but Equine papillomavirus (EPV) DNA has yet to be demonstrated in these lesions by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from naturally occurring cases of equine papillomas, aural plaques, and sarcoids for the presence of EPV DNA by means of PCR and for the presence of PV antigen by means of IHC testing. We used EPV-specific primers that amplified a region of 384 base pairs (bp) spanning the E4 and L2 genes of the EPV genome and consensus PV primers that amplified a 102-bp region of the L1 gene. Group-specific PV structural antigens were detected with the use of a streptavidin-biotin-alkaline phosphatase IHC stain. With IHC testing, 23 of 38 papillomas, 4 of 9 aural plaques, and 0 of 10 sarcoids were positive for PV antigen; EPV DNA was found in 20 of the 38 papillomas and 1 of the 10 sarcoids but 0 of the 9 aural plaques. The consensus primers did not amplify novel PV DNA in any of the tissues. Nucleotide sequencing of viral DNA from 7 papillomas amplified with EPV-specific primers revealed DNA fragments that were 96% to 99% identical to known EPV sequences. Some samples had nucleotide substitutions in common, which suggests infection with related strains. Together, EPV DNA or PV antigen (or both) was demonstrated in 26 (68%) of the 38 equine papillomas. Although aural plaques contained PV antigen, they were negative for EPV DNA; therefore, we hypothesize that aural plaques contain a PV distinct from EPV.     

Otoscopic, cytological, and microbiological examination of the equine external ear canal

Otoscopic examination and cytology of the equine ear would be beneficial in diseases such as head trauma, headshaking, otitis externa secondary to otitis media, vestibular disease, aural neoplasia and aural pruritus secondary to parasites. In practice, otic examinations of horses are rarely done due to the perceived difficulty in visualizing the equine external ear canal and tympanic membrane, as well as the need for chemical restraint. In this study, the proximal external ear canal was examined in live horses using a handheld otoscope and in cadaver heads using video otoscopy. Visualization of the proximal ear canal of the sedated horse could be done with a handheld otoscope, but more sedation or general anaesthesia and a video otoscope would be required to adequately visualize the tympanic membrane in the live horse. The proximal ear canals of 18 horses were examined cytologically and cultured aerobically. In three horses, both ears were sampled. No cells or organisms were seen on cytological examination of 11/21 ears. Nine of the 21 ears were sterile when cultured. Ten of the 21 ears had mixed growth with low numbers of organisms (Corynebacterium sp. being most common). Two of the 21 ears had heavy growth of a single organism (Corynebacterium sp. and Staphylococcus intermedius, respectively). Equine cadaver heads were examined in cross-section by computed tomography (CT) imaging and histopathology in order to further understand the anatomy of the equine external ear canal. Equine practitioners should be aware that otic examination is possible and may provide important diagnostic information.     

Surgery of the ear and pinna.

There are several disease processes of the ear and pinna that warrant surgical intervention. This article reviews surgical anatomy and common surgical procedures of the ear and pinna, including aural hematomas, lateral wall resection, vertical ear canal resection, total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy, partial pinna resection, and feline inflammatory polyps. The clinical signs, diagnosis, and surgical treatment along with potential complications for each disease process are discussed.     

Treatment of canine aural hematoma with an indwelling drain

Aural hematomas in 9 dogs were managed by manual expression through stab incisions in the pinna and placement of indwelling silicone rubber drains, without compression bandaging. The drains were well tolerated. Seromas developed in 2 ears when the drains were removed at 7 and 10 days, but the seromas resolved when the drains were replaced. Healing without deformation of the pinna was obtained when the drains were maintained 13 to 28 days.     

Persistent hematomas in Japanese black cattle with impaired platelet aggregation function and large granule eosinophils.

In Japanese black cattle with large and long-existing hematomas, platelets was impaired in collagen aggregation function in vitro. There was no statistically significant difference from control animals in the tests of PT (prothrombin time) and PTT (partial thromboplastin time) for extrinsic and intrinsic blood coagulation system. Aside from impaired collagen aggregation function, platelets in the hematoma cattle showed the similar aggregation patterns as the normal cattle, when ADP, serotonin (5-HT), thrombin, arachidonic acid, epinephrine and ristocetin were used as agents for inducing aggregation. Decreased aggregation function as well as impaired collagen-induced release response in platelets suggested the hematoma cattle to be of storage pool disease (SPD). The impaired platelet was postulated to be a main cause of the large and long-existing hematomas. All of the hematoma cattle with impaired platelet functions had the eosinophils in peripheral blood of which granules were fewer and larger than normal ones. These large eosinophil granules were peroxidase positive and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining negative as typical eosinophil granules.     

Canine and feline aural hematoma: clinical, experimental, and clinicopathologic observations

The pathogenesis of canine and feline aural hematoma (AH) was investigated. Clinical observations, selected experimental procedures, and clinicopathologic examinations were done on 40 dogs and 20 cats affected with AH. Eighteen healthy dogs and 14 healthy cats were used as the controls. The results of this investigation provide a valid basis for questioning the conventionally held view that AH is caused by trauma and for postulating that the actual cause is immune mediated.     

Efficacy of selamectin administered topically in the treatment of feline otoacariosis

The efficacy of a novel avermectin, selamectin (Stronghold, Pfizer), was evaluated against naturally acquired aural infestations of Otodectes cynotis. Selamectin was administered topically in a single spot to the skin of each animal's back at the base of the neck in front of the scapulae at a minimum dosage of 6mgkg(-1). Thirty cats of a cattery of 120 animals with an endemic infestation were treated on days 0 and 30. Including untreated control cats was therefore not possible because of animal welfare consideration. Clinical examination and visualization of mites by otoscopic examination of the external ear canal and microscopic examination of aural debris/exudate were performed twice weekly from days 0 to 30. On day 0 (and day 28 if the ears canals were erythematous), a swab was taken from each canal and sent to bacteriology and mycology units for detection and identification of bacteria (Staphylococcus mainly) and yeast (Malassezia pachydermatis only).Selamectin was safe, parasites were killed before day 3 and eliminated before day 17. Selamectin was 100% effective against natural aural infestations, even if erythema (26-33% of cats) and scratch reflex (23-40% of cats) persisted for 2 weeks after the cats tested negative for mites.     

Comparison of the effects of the CO2 surgical laser and conventional surgical techniques on healing and wound tensile strength of skin flaps in the dog

OBJECTIVE: To determine if CO(2) laser was superior to conventional surgical techniques (CST) for creation of skin flaps in dogs as determined by hemostasis, wound healing, and wound tensile strength. STUDY DESIGN: In-vivo model ANIMALS: Six large, mixed-breed dogs. METHODS: On each dog's trunk, 3 pairs of identical, dorsally based, pedicled skin flaps were created and sutured back into position. Based on a Latin Square design, flaps on one side were created with a CO(2) laser and on the other side by CST. Intraoperative hemorrhage was measured by weighing sponges used to absorb blood. On days 7, 10, and 14, specimens from the flap-skin junction and the central portion of each pair of flaps were collected. Specimens were subjected to tensile strength testing and histologic examination to evaluate wound healing. RESULTS: Mean (+/- standard error of mean [SEM]) hemorrhage was significantly less (P =.02) with CO(2) laser (4.70 +/- 1.37 g) than CST (10.82 +/- 1.37 g). Wound tensile strength (N/m(2)) after CST (0.49 +/- 0.049) was significantly greater (P =.01) than with CO(2) laser (0.17 +/- 0.049). Laser incisions had partial necrosis of the wound edges and a more extensive inflammatory response; however, healing of the wound beds were similar regardless of technique. CONCLUSIONS: The CO(2) laser provided better intraoperative hemostasis than CST. However, overall healing and increase in tensile strength of the skin-flap junction of the flaps created by the laser may be delayed during the first few weeks of wound healing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Skin flaps used to repair large skin defects in dogs can be created and elevated with a CO(2) laser. In areas of increased skin mobility or tension, skin flaps created with CO(2) laser may be more susceptible to complications such as dehiscence, and care should be taken to minimize these complications.     

Studies of certain factors affecting the microenvironment and microflora of the external ear of the dog in health and disease

A total of 187 dogs, 110 with clinical signs of otitis externa (OE), and 77 without history or clinical signs of OE, were examined microenvironment and microbiological analysis of their ear exudates made. The aural temperature and humidity of 160 dogs were measured. There were no significant difference between healthy dogs and OE dogs. German shepherd showed relatively lower temperature (p<0.01) and higher humidity (p<0.01). The mean log(10) number of microbial organisms of ears of OE dogs (4.16 +/- 0.31 cfu/g) was significantly increased, compared to that from the ears of non-OE group (2.55 +/- 0.24 cfu/g). Pseudomonas spp. and Proteus spp. were detected only from OE dogs. In addition, three enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from ear specimens.     

Immunopathogenesis of canine aural haematoma

Data are presented from 15 dogs with aural haematoma. The series included six Labrador retrievers and four golden retrlevers and the mean age was 8.0 ± 3.02 years. Five dogs had evidence of pruritic skin disease and five further cases had other concurrent disease. Haematoiogy and serum biochemistry were normal in 12 and 13 of the 15 dogs, respectively. Ail dogs were Coombs' negative and serum antinuclear antibody had negative or low titres in ail the 11 cases tested. Histopathological examination of biopsies from the affected ears revealed variable degrees of erosion of auricular cartilage with fibrovascular granulation tissue filling the cartilage defects. There was minimal perichondrai inflammation. The biopsies were studied by immunohistochemlstry for deposition of lmmunoglobulln G (IgG), immunogiobulln M (IgM) and complement C3. In one dog there was basement membrane zone deposition of IgG and in another there was focal interepithellai deposition of both igG and IgM. The findings of this study do not support an autoimmune pathogenesis for canine aural haematoma, but suggest that an early immunological event may underlie the observed cartilage erosion.     

Diode laser and endoscopic laser surgery.

Two functionally important differences exist between the diode laser and the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser (used more commonly in small animal surgery). Diode laser energy is delivered through a quartz fiber instead of being reflected through an articulated arm or waveguide. Quartz fibers are generally more flexible and resilient than waveguides and can be inserted through an endoscope for minimally invasive procedures. Laser-tissue interaction is the other significant difference. The CO2 laser is completely absorbed by water, which limits the effect to visible tissue. The diode wavelength is minimally absorbed by water and may affect tissue as deep as 10 mm below the surface in the free-beam mode. With proper respect for the tissue effect, these differences can be used to the advantage of the patient.     

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.