MEASUREMENTS OF THE PULMONARY VASCULATURE ON THORACIC RADIOGRAPHS IN HEALTHY DOGS COMPARED TO DOGS WITH MITRAL REGURGITATION

This study reassessed the previously reported radiographic method of comparing pulmonary vessels versus rib diameter for differentiating healthy dogs and dogs with mitral regurgitation. The width of the right cranial pulmonary artery and vein at the fourth rib level, right caudal pulmonary artery and vein at the ninth rib level, and the diameters of the fourth rib and ninth rib were measured in prospectively recruited healthy dogs (n = 40) and retrospectively recruited dogs with mitral regurgitation (n = 58). In healthy dogs, the pulmonary arteries and accompanying veins were similar in size. The cranial lobar vessels were smaller than the fourth rib. However, 67.5% of right caudal pulmonary artery diameters and 65% of vein diameters were larger than the ninth rib in healthy dogs. The right caudal pulmonary vein diameter in dogs with mitral regurgitation, particularly those within moderate and severe grades, was significantly larger than that in healthy dogs (P < 0.001). The comparative method used to detect enlargement of the right caudal pulmonary vein relative to the accompanying pulmonary artery had the highest sensitivity (80.2%) and specificity (82.5%) for predicting mitral regurgitation. A cut‐off of 1.22 when applying the ninth rib criterion had better specificity (73%) than the most used value ≤ 1 (89.7% sensitivity and 63.8% specificity), although it has less sensitivity (73%). We recommend using the accompanying pulmonary artery and 1.22 × the diameter of the ninth rib as a radiographic criterion for assessing the size of the right caudal pulmonary vein and differentiating healthy dogs from those with mitral regurgitation.     

Comparative aspects and clinical outcomes of canine renal hemangiosarcoma

BACKGROUND: Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a common solid tumor of the spleen, heart, and skin of dogs. Renal HSA represents an uncommon anatomic variant, with little reported about its biologic behavior and clinical outcome. HYPOTHESIS: That renal HSA is associated with longer survival than other visceral forms of HSA. ANIMALS: 14 dogs with renal HSA. METHODS: Medical records from 1999 to 2004 were searched for dogs with histopathologically confirmed renal HSA, and data relevant to clinical signs, treatments, and outcomes were abstracted. RESULTS: Clinical signs were nonspecific, and the median duration of clinical signs before diagnosis was 60 days. Two dogs presented in cardiovascular collapse secondary to hemoperitoneum. Common hematologic and biochemical abnormalities were anemia (9/14), hematuria (7/14), and proteinuria (7/14). One dog had pulmonary metastasis at diagnosis. All dogs had evidence of a renal mass visualized by abdominal radiography (14/14), ultrasound (9/14), or both. All dogs underwent nephrectomy, and 4/14 dogs also received adjunctive chemotherapy. Median survival time of all dogs was 278 days (range 0-1,005 days), and dogs with hemoperitoneum had significantly shorter survival times than dogs without hemoperitoneum (62 days versus 286 days, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: These results indicate that hemoperitoneum and distant metastasis at diagnosis appear to occur less frequently in dogs with renal HSA compared with other visceral forms of HSA. Furthermore, dogs with renal HSA have protracted disease progression, with improved 1-year survival rates and longer median survival time compared to dogs with splenic, cardiac, and retroperitoneal HSA.     

Concurrent splenic and right atrial mass at presentation in dogs with HSA: a retrospective study

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the presence of concurrent splenic and cardiac hemangiosarcoma (HSA). Dogs were divided into two groups: group 1 included 23 dogs with splenic HSA, and group 2 included 31 dogs with a cardiac HSA. All dogs were fully assessed for metastasis with thoracic radiography, abdominal and/or cardiac ultrasound, and/or postmortem examination. Two dogs (8.7%) in group 1 had a concurrent cardiac mass. Neither of these dogs had pericardial effusion, and both were golden retrievers. Thirteen of the dogs in group 1 presented with a hemoabdomen. Concurrent intra-abdominal metastasis was noted in seven dogs. In group 2, 9/31 (29%) of the dogs had a concurrent splenic HSA, and 13/31 (42%) of the dogs had evidence of metastasis to another site. There was a significant association between age and the presence of nonsplenic metastasis (odds ratio, 0.457). The rate of concurrent right atrial mass detected by cardiac ultrasound in dogs with splenic HSA was 8.7%, which is less than previously reported. For dogs with right atrial HSA, the risk of metastasis to nonsplenic sites decreases with age.     

Comparison of results of computed tomography and radiography with histopathologic findings in tracheobronchial lymph nodes in dogs with primary lung tumors: 14 cases (1999-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To compare results of computed tomography (CT) and radiography with histopathologic findings in tracheobronchial lymph nodes (TBLNs) in dogs with primary lung tumors. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 14 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Criteria for inclusion were diagnosis of primary lung tumor, use of thoracic radiography and CT, and histologic confirmation of TBLN status. Medical records were reviewed for signalment; history; and physical examination, clinicopathologic, radiographic, CT, surgical, and histopathologic findings. RESULTS: Tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy was not identified via radiography in any dogs. Tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy was diagnosed in 5 dogs via CT. Six dogs had histologic confirmation of metastasis to TBLNs. Radiographic diagnosis yielded 6 false-negative and no false-positive results for tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy. Computed tomography yielded 1 false-negative and no false-positive results. Sensitivity of CT for correctly assessing TBLN status was 83%, and specificity was 100%. Positive predictive value was 100%, and negative predictive value was 89%. Dogs with lymphadenopathy via CT, histologic confirmation of TBLN metastasis, or primary tumors with a histologic grade > 1 had significantly shorter survival times than their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of CT evaluation of TBLN status were in agreement with histopathologic findings and more accurate than use of thoracic radiography for evaluating TBLNs in dogs with primary lung tumors. Computed tomography imaging should be considered as part of the staging process to more accurately assess the TBLNs in dogs with primary lung tumors.     

Caudal pulmonary artery to vein ratio on radiography can predict pulmonary hypertension in dogs with mitral regurgitation

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an important predictor of poor outcomes in dogs with mitral regurgitation (MR). The feasibility of radiography to predict PH in dogs with MR is unknown. This retrospective, observational, and analytic study aimed to identify a radiographic parameter to predict PH in dogs with MR. A total of 302 dogs diagnosed with MR on echocardiography were enrolled. Medical record and radiographic findings such as the size of the main pulmonary artery, left atrium, left ventricle, and right chamber, and cranial and caudal pulmonary arteries and veins were evaluated according to the presence of PH. The diameters of the cranial and caudal pulmonary vessels were compared to the fourth rib and the ninth rib, respectively, and the ratio of the pulmonary artery to the corresponding vein (CdPA/CdPV) was calculated. Pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed in 77 dogs (25.5%) and the prevalence of PH increased with MR grade. The CdPA/CdPV was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the presence of PH. Multivariate analysis showed that the CdPA/CdPV was the only independent radiographic parameter that had a significant association with PH in dogs with MR (P = 0.028). The cut-off value of the CdPA/CdPV = 1.10 showed 90.6% specificity and 31.1% sensitivity for detecting PH in dogs with MR. In dogs with MR, PH can be predicted with high specificity when the caudal pulmonary artery is 1.1 times larger than the corresponding vein on radiographs.     

Evaluation of circulating amino terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentration in dogs with respiratory distress attributable to congestive heart failure or primary pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate assessment of circulating amino terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration as a means to discriminate between congestive heart failure and primary pulmonary disease in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: 46 dogs with signs of respiratory distress or coughing. PROCEDURES: All dogs underwent physical and thoracic radiographic examinations. Dogs with evidence of heart disease (eg, murmur, arrhythmia, or large cardiac silhouette detected by radiography) also underwent echocardiography. Dogs with no evidence of heart disease or failure were included if they underwent bronchoalveolar lavage (with cytologic examination and bacterial culture of the lavage fluid). Blood samples for NT-proBNP assay were obtained within 12 hours of the diagnosis of heart failure or prior to bronchoalveolar lavage in dogs with primary pulmonary disease. Circulating concentrations of NT-proBNP were compared between groups and correlated with radiographic and echocardiographic measures of cardiac size. RESULTS: Congestive heart failure and primary pulmonary disease were diagnosed in 25 and 21 dogs, respectively. Dogs with congestive heart failure had significantly higher median serum or plasma NT-proBNP concentration (2,554 pmol/L; interquartile [25% to 75%] range, 1,651.5 to 3,475.5 pmol/L) than dogs with primary pulmonary disease (357 pmol/L; interquartile range, 192.5 to 565.5 pmol/L). Radiographic vertebral heart score and echocardiographic left atrial-to-aortic diameter ratio were not correlated with NT-proBNP concentration. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (measured echocardiographically) and NT-proBNP concentration were weakly correlated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Serum or plasma NT-proBNP concentration assessment may be useful for discrimination of congestive heart failure from primary pulmonary disease in dogs with respiratory distress or cough.     

COMPARISON OF RADIOGRAPHY AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF CANINE NASAL ASPERGILLOSIS

To compare the radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) findings and to evaluate the sensitivity of radiography and CT for diagnosis of nasal aspergillosis in dogs, the radiographic and CT studies of 48 dogs with chronic nasal disease were reviewed separately. The radiographic and CT findings were recorded, and a diagnosis was made. The results obtained in the dogs with nasal aspergillosis (n = 25) were used. Based on definite aspergillosis as diagnosis, CT had a sensitivity of 88% and radiography of 72%. Considering definite and probable aspergillosis as equivalent, CT had a sensitivity of 92% and radiography of 84%. The sensitivity was higher in dogs with lesions affecting the entire nasal cavity and frontal sinus on at least one side (n = 20) with a sensitivity of 100% for CT and 90-95% for radiography than in dogs with lesions restricted to the nasal cavities (n = 5) where CT had a sensitivity of 60-80% and radiography of 0-40%. CT was superior to radiography for evaluation of the nasal cavities (mucosal thickening along the nasal bones, surrounding bone hyperostosis/lysis), frontal sinuses (mucosal thickening along the frontal bone, fluid/soft tissue, frontal bone hyperostosis/lysis), and differentiation between a cavitated-like or a mass-like process. This study suggests that CT is more sensitive than radiography for diagnosis of nasal aspergillosis in the dog because of a better demonstration of some changes suggestive of nasal aspergillosis. A diagnosis of a nasal aspergillosis restricted to the nasal cavities or associated with an FB is challenging, even with the use of CT.     

Cytological Analysis of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in the Diagnosis of Spontaneous Respiratory Tract Disease in Dogs: A Retrospective Study

Results of cytological analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAD fluid were compared with clinical diagnoses in dogs that presented with signs of respiratory disease to referral hospitals. Of 68 dogs in which a clinical diagnosis was possible, BAL cytological findings were considered definitive for the diagnosis in 17 cases (25%), supportive of the diagnosis in 34 cases (50%), and not helpful in 17 cases (25%). Findings were most often considered supportive of or definitive for the clinical diagnosis in dogs with alveolar or bronchial radiographic patterns, or the presence of pulmonary masses. BAL results among lung lobes differed in 23 of 63 dogs (37%) with diffuse radiographic patterns. Tracheal wash cytology differed from BAL fluid cytology in 45 of 66 dogs (68%). Bronchoalveolar lavage was a clinically useful procedure for the diagnostic evaluation of dogs with signs of respiratory disease.     

Associations between thoracic radiographic changes and severity of pulmonary arterial hypertension diagnosed in 60 dogs via Doppler echocardiography: A retrospective study

Doppler echocardiography is a noninvasive method for estimating and grading pulmonary arterial hypertension. No current literature associates significance of radiographic findings with severity of pulmonary arterial hypertension. We hypothesized that the number and conspicuity of radiographic findings suggestive of pulmonary arterial hypertension would be greater based on the severity of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Dogs with pulmonary arterial hypertension and normal control dogs were included in this retrospective, case control study. Three radiologists blinded to echocardiographic results scored thoracic radiographs for right ventricular and main pulmonary artery enlargement and pulmonary lobar artery enlargement, tortuosity, and blunting by multiple methods. Presence or absence of each finding was scored in an additive fashion and averaged for each grade of pulmonary arterial hypertension severity. Seventy‐one dogs (60 dogs with pulmonary arterial hypertension and 11 control dogs) of which some had multiple studies were included: 20 mild, 21 moderate, 25 severe, and 11 absent pulmonary arterial hypertension. The following radiographic findings were significantly associated with increasing pulmonary arterial hypertension severity: right ventricular enlargement by “reverse D” and “3/5–2/5 cardiac ratio” methods, main pulmonary artery enlargement, and caudal lobar artery enlargement by the “3rd rib” method. Mean scores for severe pulmonary arterial hypertension and normal dogs were significantly different (P‐value < 0.0001). Mean scores between different pulmonary arterial hypertension grades increased with severity but were not statistically significant. Individually and in combination, radiographic findings performed poorly in differentiating severity of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Findings indicated that thoracic radiographs should be utilized in conjunction with Doppler echocardiography in a complete diagnostic work‐up for dogs with suspected pulmonary arterial hypertension.     

Radiographic findings in dogs with naturally-occurring primary hypoadrenocorticism.

Survey radiographs often are obtained in dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism in adrenal crisis as part of the routine evaluation of a critically ill dog. In this study, standardized methods of cardiac, pulmonary vasculature, and vena cava mensuration were used in 22 dogs with naturally-occurring primary hypoadrenocorticism, and the findings were compared with those in 22 breed-matched, clinically normal dogs. Most (81.8%) untreated dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism had one or more radiographic abnormalities, including small size of the heart (45.5%), cranial lobar pulmonary artery (36.4%), caudal vena cava (54.5%), or liver (36.4%). Megaesophagus was not found in any of the dogs with hypoadrenocorticism, and therefore, compared to the other common radiographic findings, should be considered a rare finding.     

Assessment of survey radiography as a method for diagnosis of congenital cardiac disease in dogs.

In order to assess the diagnostic accuracy of survey radiography for canine congenital cardiac anomalies, thoracic radiographs of 57 dogs with congenital cardiac anomalies, 31 normal dogs and 27 dogs with acquired cardiac disease were mixed, and reviewed by two independent observers, who were blinded to any patient information. The congenital anomalies were aortic stenosis (n=25), pulmonic stenosis (n=10), patent ductus arteriosus (n=9), ventricular septal defect (n=8), tricuspid dysplasia (n=3) and mitral dysplasia (n=2). Both observers were moderately accurate at identifying dogs with cardiac disease. Their ability to distinguish dogs with congenital versus acquired cardiac disease was poorer and this assessment was probably influenced by the recognition of patients that were skeletally immature, which biased observers towards a diagnosis of congenital cardiac anomaly. The diagnosis rate for specific congenital anomalies was also poor (the differential list included a correct diagnosis in only 40 and 37 per cent of cases). Radiographic signs of specific cardiac chamber enlargement or pulmonary vascular abnormalities were recognised by both observers in only 20 per cent of instances in which they might be expected. They were, however, recognised more frequently in dogs with anomalies that imposed a volume load on the heart than in dogs with anomalies that induced a pressure load on the organ. It is concluded that survey radiography is an inaccurate method for diagnosis of canine congenital cardiac anomalies because of the difficulty of recognising radiographic signs, which are not present in many cases.     

Pulmonic stenosis in the dog: 29 cases (1975-1984)

In a retrospective study of 29 dogs with congenital pulmonic stenosis, we evaluated the clinical, radiographic, angiocardiographic, and cardiac catheterization data. Eighteen dogs had no clinical signs of disease and were referred for evaluation of a previously detected cardiac murmur, 5 dogs had congestive right-sided heart failure, and 5 dogs were examined for exercise intolerance or syncope. Dogs with heart failure tended to be older than dogs without clinical signs of heart failure (19.3 months vs 12 months). All dogs had radiographic or electrocardiographic evidence of right ventricular enlargement. Poststenotic dilatation of the main pulmonary artery and apparent pulmonary undercirculation were observed frequently on survey radiographs. Isolated pulmonic valve dysplasia, representing a range of angiographic pulmonic valve abnormalities, was evident in 88% of the available 26 angiographic studies, whereas subvalvular stenosis was uncommon and observed in only 2 dogs. Muscular hypertrophy of the right ventricular infundibulum and supraventricular crest were observed in 96% and 25% of the angiocardiograms, respectively. Poststenotic dilatation of the main pulmonary artery was observed in every dog. A ratio between the width of the main pulmonary artery and the valve annulus was useful in identifying pulmonic stenosis and distinguishing this anomaly from other congenital malformations. The degree of poststenotic dilatation did not appear to be related to the severity of the systolic pressure gradient, which ranged from 20 to 228 mm of Hg (mean, 93 mm of Hg).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Radiographic detection of thoracic lesions in adult cows: a retrospective study of 42 cases (1995-2002)

Medical records of 42 cows that underwent both thoracic radiographic and postmortem examinations within a period of 7 days were reviewed to develop an evaluation grid to interpret bovine thoracic radiographs and to determine the sensitivity and the specificity of thoracic radiographs for detection of thoracic lesions, based on postmortem examination. Most cows (64%) had clinical signs of respiratory disease, whereas 19% showed signs of cardiac problems. The sensitivity and specificity of radiographs for identifying cows with thoracic lesions were 94% and 50%, respectively. In this study, with a prevalence of thoracic lesions of 86%, the positive- and negative-predictive values were 92% and 57%, respectively. This study provides an evaluation grid that allows standardization of the reading of bovine thoracic radiographs and the identification of most thoracic lesions. Bovine thoracic radiographs are useful in detecting thoracic lesions in cows.     

Radiographic findings in dogs with pulmonary blastomycosis: 125 cases (1989-2006)

OBJECTIVE: To identify radiographic patterns in dogs with pulmonary blastomycosis and radiographic factors associated with outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 125 dogs with pulmonary blastomycosis. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed, and for each lung lobe, the primary radiographic pattern and percentage of lobar involvement at the time of initial examination were recorded. RESULTS: 79 dogs survived, 38 died, and 8 were euthanized without treatment. The initial radiographic pattern was variable and not significantly associated with outcome. Mean half-time for radiographic resolution of pulmonary infiltrates was 41.4 days for all patterns except masses, for which mean half-time to resolution was 90.8 days. Transient radiographic worsening was seen in 20 of 87 (23%) dogs but was not associated with a poor prognosis. Pulmonary bullae were seen in 20 (16%) dogs, most often in association with an alveolar pattern. Accuracy of using percentage of right caudal lung lobe involvement ( 20%) to predict outcome was 74.4%; accuracy of using number of affected lobes (< 4 vs >or= 4) to predict outcome was 65.8%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that a nonuniform distribution of pulmonary infiltrates was equally as likely as a diffuse nodular interstitial pattern in dogs with pulmonary blastomycosis. On the basis of half-time for resolution of pulmonary infiltrates, follow-up radiography should be performed no more often than every 4 to 6 weeks in clinically stable patients. Transient radiographic worsening that occurred during the initial weeks of treatment was not associated with a poorer prognosis.     

Intracranial Lesions in Dogs With Hemangiosarcoma

A retrospective analysis of 85 dogs with hemangiosarcoma (HSA) that underwent complete necropsy, including gross examination of the brain, was conducted. Grossly identifiable intracranial lesions were present in 17 dogs. Twelve of 85 dogs (14.2%) had brain metastases. Four of 85 dogs (4.7%) had hemorrhagic lesions and/or ischemic necrosis without identifiable tumor. One dog had a primary central nervous system tumor. Signs of intracranial disease were present in six of 85 dogs (7.1%) with HSA; four had brain metastases and two had nonneoplastic lesions. Metastases had a propensity for cerebrum and gray matter. Dogs with brain metastases had more widely disseminated disease than dogs without brain metastases (P less than 0.001). Dogs with pulmonary metastases were at greater risk for developing brain metastases than dogs without pulmonary metastases (odds ratio = 8.31). Although thoracic radiography accurately identified ten of 12 dogs (83%) with pulmonary metastases, too few cases were available to assess the applicability/accuracy of thoracic radiography in predicting the presence or absence of brain metastases in dogs with malignancy and signs of intracranial disease.     

ACCURACY OF SURVEY RADIOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS OF INTERVERTEBRAL DISC PROTRUSION IN DOGS

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of survey radiography for canine thoracolumbar intervertebral disc protrusion, survey radiographs (lateral and ventrodorsal) of 64 dogs with surgically-confirmed thoracolumbar intervertebral disc protrusion, 51 dogs with negative myelograms and 29 dogs with various spinal conditions other than disc protrusion were reviewed by three independent observers who were unaware of any clinical information. There were marked differences in observer performance for diagnosis of intervertebral disc protrusion, although there were no significant differences in intraobserver diagnostic accuracy for small vs. large dogs. Accuracy of observers for determining sites of intervertebral disc protrusion using survey radiography was in the range 51-61%. All observers had low accuracy for identification of second sites of intervertebral disc protrusion. The most useful radiographic sign, narrowed intervertebral space, had only moderate sensitivity (range 64-69%) and moderate predictive value (range 63-71%) for intervertebral disc protrusion. Vacuum phenomenon was an infrequent but accurate sign of intervertebral disc protrusion. Recognition of multiple radiographic signs of intervertebral disc protrusion at one site was associated with increased accuracy of diagnosis. No observer was accurate enough to justify attempting targeted surgical treatment of intervertebral disc protrusion without myelography.     

Comparison of results of three commercial heartworm antigen test kits in dogs with low heartworm burdens

OBJECTIVE: To compare results of 3 commercial heartworm antigen test kits performed on serum samples from dogs infected with low numbers of adult female heartworms. DESIGN: Blinded laboratory evaluation. Sample Population-Serum samples from dogs (n = 208) proven at necropsy to be infected with 1 to 4 adult female heartworms and from dogs (32) without heartworms. PROCEDURE: Samples were sequentially tested with each test kit, following the manufacturers' instructions, by licensed veterinary technicians in private practice who were not aware of infection status of the dogs. The order of test kit evaluations was randomly chosen. For each test kit, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were evaluated. RESULTS: All tests yielded some false-negative results, and there were significant differences among tests in regard to ability to detect low heartworm burdens. Sensitivity of the test kits ranged from 78 to 84%. For all test kits, sensitivity increased as number of female heartworms increased. All 3 test kits had high specificity (97%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that sensitivity of the 3 commercially available heartworm antigen test kits ranged from 78 to 84% when used to test serum samples from dogs with low heartworm burdens, and that sensitivity varied among test kits. For all 3 test kits, specificity was 97%. All 3 test kits yielded false-positive and false-negative results for some dogs with low heartworm burdens.     

Cardiac troponins I and T in dogs with pericardial effusion

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) are sensitive and specific markers for myocardial ischemia and necrosis. Dogs with pericardial effusion frequently have myocardial ischemia and necrosis, and these changes are more severe in dogs with hemangiosarcoma (HSA). We investigated the utility of using serum cTnI and cTnT concentrations to identify the idiopathic pericardial effusion from that associated with HSA. Blood samples for measurement of cTnI and cTnT concentrations were collected before pericardiocentesis in 37 dogs with pericardial effusion. Eighteen dogs had a mass consistent with HSA, 6 dogs had idiopathic pericardial effusion, 1 dog had mesothelioma, and 1 dog had a heart base tumor. No final diagnosis was achieved for 11 dogs. Dogs with pericardial effusion had significantly higher serum concentrations of cTnI (P < .001) but not cTnT (P = .16) than did normal dogs. Dogs with HSA had significantly higher concentrations of cTnI (2.77 ng/dL; range: 0.09-47.18 ng/dL) than did dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion (0.05 ng/dL; range: 0.03-0.09 ng/dL) (P < .001). There was no difference in the concentration of cTnT between dogs with HSA and those with idiopathic pericardial effusion (P = .08). Measurement of cTnI may be useful in helping to distinguish between idiopathic pericardial effusion and pericardial effusion caused by HSA.     

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROSTATOMEGALY, PROSTATIC MINERALIZATION, AND CYTOLOGIC DIAGNOSIS

Canine prostatic disease is commonly evaluated with abdominal ultrasound and radiographs. Mineralization of the prostate is often reported, but the clinical relevance of this finding is currently not known. The purpose of this study was to characterize the relationship between ultrasonographic and radiographic prostate mineralization and the final diagnosis. Medical records of 55 dogs with evidence of prostatomegaly or prostatic mineralization and a cytologic diagnosis were evaluated. Radiographs and ultrasound images were assessed for caudal retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, vertebral lesions, or other signs of metastasis, and mineralization was assessed semiquantitatively. Twenty-two of 55 (40%) dogs had prostatic neoplasia. Regarding neoplasia, mineralization in neutered dogs had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 50%, and a sensitivity and specificity of 84% and 100%, respectively. Mineralization in intact dogs had a PPV of 22%, an NPV of 96%, and a sensitivity and specificity of 67% and 77%, respectively. All neutered dogs with prostatomegaly but not prostatic neoplasia had bacterial prostatitis and were castrated within the previous 3 months. Intact dogs with prostatomegaly and mineralization but not neoplasia had paraprostatic cysts ( n =3), benign prostatic hyperplasia ( n =2) or prostatitis ( n =2). Mineralization score was not indicative of neoplasia. In conclusion, neutered dogs with prostatic mineralization were very likely to have prostatic neoplasia. Intact dogs were unlikely to have prostatic neoplasia if no mineralization was found on radiographs or ultrasound.     

Cardiac tumors in dogs: 1982-1995

A Veterinary Medical Database search from 1982 to 1995 identified 1,383 dogs with tumors of the heart from a total population of 729,265 dogs (0.19% incidence). Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) was the most common cardiac tumor identified. In the subset of dogs with specific histologic diagnoses, the number with HSA was almost 10-fold that of the 2nd most common tumor, aortic body tumor. Primary heart tumors were more common than cardiac metastases. When biologic behavior was noted, most heart tumors were classified as malignant. Cardiac tumors (excluding lymphoma) occurred most often in dogs between the ages of 7 and 15 years. In very old dogs (>15 years), the frequency of cardiac tumors was the same or lower than that of the youngest age group. Tumors occurred with similar frequency in males and females, but the relative risk for spayed females was >4 times that for intact females. For HSA, spayed females had >5 times greater relative risk than did intact females. The risk for castrated males was slightly greater than that for intact males, which had 2.4 times the relative risk of intact females. Thus, neutering appeared to increase the risk of cardiac tumor in both sexes. Intact females were least likely to develop a cardiac tumor, whereas spayed females were most likely to develop a tumor. Twelve breeds had greater than average risk of developing a cardiac tumor, whereas 17 had lower risk.