Ultrasound-guided percutaneous lung biopsy in sheep

Lung biopsies were taken through the ninth intercostal space on the two sides of the thorax of 10 clinically healthy sheep, using a Tru-Cut needle on one side and the Bard Biopty-System on the other. Nine of the 10 sheep remained clinically healthy, but one coughed transiently and had a mild bloody discharge from the right nostril immediately after the biopsy. The sheep were slaughtered 10 days later and the lungs and pleura were examined macroscopically; there were either no lesions or only small scars visible at the sites of the biopsies. However, well-developed subpleural nodules due to parasites were observed in some of the lungs. There were no adhesions between the costal and pulmonary pleurae. Of the 20 biopsy specimens, 18 were ideal for histological examination, and none of them was histologically normal. Mild interstitial pneumonia was diagnosed in 15 specimens, chronic bronchiolitis in nine specimens, and hyperplasia of smooth muscle or connective tissue in 17.     

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage for treatment of pyonephrosis in two dogs

Pyonephrosis refers to suppurative destruction of the parenchyma of the kidney with complete or nearly complete loss of renal function. In dogs, nephrectomy is still the most common treatment for pyonephrosis; however, in the present report, a method for percutaneous ultrasound-guided drainage of the renal pelvis in dogs with pyonephrosis that does not require local or general anesthesia was described, and results of the procedure in 2 dogs were reported. Briefly, dogs were positioned in lateral recumbency with the affected side up, and skin overlying the affected kidney was aseptically prepared. The dilated renal pelvis was punctured percutaneously, under ultrasound guidance, with a 22-gauge needle, and a sample of material was obtained for analysis. The needle was then replaced with an IV catheter, and as much pus as possible was removed from the renal collecting system. A povidone iodine solution was then used to lavage the renal pelvis. Ultrasound-guided drainage and lavage of the renal pelvis was repeated daily until the renal pelvis was so small that it could no longer be punctured. Both dogs recovered and were reported by the owners to be healthy after the procedure.     

Ultrasound-guided catheterization of the portal vein in 11 cows using the Seldinger technique

Catheterization of the portal vein using the Seldinger technique [Acta Radiol. (1958) 38, 368] was performed in 11 cows. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous portocentesis, using a 25-cm, 14-gauge steel cannula, was performed from the 10th, 11th or 12th intercostal space on the right side. A stylet was placed through the cannula, which was then removed, and a polyurethane balloon-tipped catheter was advanced over the stylet into the portal vein and sutured to the skin (Seldinger, 1952). Blood samples were collected from the catheter at least once daily. The catheter was removed 9-15 days later when blood could no longer be aspirated. The cows were then slaughtered and a post-mortem examination was performed. During the study, appetite remained normal in nine of 11 cows. In three cows, the general behaviour and demeanour were mildly, but transiently, abnormal. Four cows had leucopoenia. The most frequently encountered problem was occlusion of the catheter, which usually was resolved by flushing with heparinized saline. The most common post-mortem lesion observed was an increase in fibrous connective tissue at the site of cannulation. In nine of 11cows, there was a thrombus in the portal vein at the site of catheterization. Generally, the severity of the lesions was mild. The results of this study demonstrated that ultrasound-guided percutaneous catheterization of the portal vein, using the Seldinger technique, is possible in cows. The catheter may be left in place for collection of blood samples for up to 15 days.     

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage as the primary treatment for prostatic abscesses and cysts in dogs

Thirteen dogs with prostatic abscesses and cysts were treated using percutaneous ultrasound-guided drainage. Eight dogs were diagnosed with prostatic abscesses and five with cysts on the basis of cytopathological examination and bacterial culture of the prostatic fluid. Antibiotic therapy, based on culture and sensitivity results, was administered for a minimum of 4 weeks. Intact dogs were castrated after initial drainage. Repeat ultrasonography of the prostate was performed every 1 to 6 weeks, and any residual cavitary lesions were drained and fluid analysis repeated. The median number of drainage procedures required to completely resolve the lesions was two (range, one to four). No complications were observed after drainage, and clinical signs resolved in all dogs. None of the dogs developed clinical signs of recurrent abscesses or cysts in the follow-up period (median, 36 months; range, 10 to 50 months). Ultrasound-guided, percutaneous drainage of prostatic abscesses and cysts appears to be a useful alternative to surgical treatment in select dogs.     

FGF-21: promising biomarker for detecting ketosis in dairy cows

The objective of this study was to investigate the measurement of serum fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21), a protein mainly synthesized by the liver, as a sensitive biomarker for diagnosis of ketosis in dairy cows. Ninety Holstein–Friesian dairy cows (60 healthy and 30 ketosis cases) were selected and divided into a Ketosis group (K), and a Control group (C). We measured serum FGF-21 and other biochemical parameters by commercial ELISA kits. In a combined population of all 90 cows, we found that serum FGF-21 level was lower (P?<?0.001) in cows suffering from ketosis. When the β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) level increased over 1.2 mmol/L, the FGF-21 level tended to decline below 300.85 pg/ml. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) for serum FGF-21 for diagnosis of fatty liver was 0.952–0.025 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.904, 1.000] which was higher than the AUC-ROC for glucose (Glc) and other tested parameters. We concluded that FGF-21 could be a diagnostic parameter in the evaluation and auxiliary diagnosis of changes in the energy metabolism state, and serum FGF-21 measurement would have a considerable clinical impact and lead to greater profitability in the dairy industry.     

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous antegrade hydropropulsion to relieve ureteral obstruction in a pet guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

Severe hydroureter and hydronephrosis secondary to ureteral obstruction by calculus were present in a guinea pig. A palliative ultrasound-guided percutaneous antegrade hydropropulsion was performed under general anesthesia to relieve the ureteral obstruction and the associated clinical signs. We describe the technique and the considerations for its potential application in similar cases.     

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous antegrade pyelography with computed tomography for the diagnosis of spontaneous partial ureteral rupture in a dog

A 10-year-old spayed female dalmatian dog developed acute vomiting and abdominal pain. Ultrasound examination of the abdomen showed right hydronephrosis and proximal ureter dilation with mild retroperitoneal free fluid. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen confirmed the ultrasonographic findings and revealed, additionally, a right ureteral stone. Spontaneus rupture of the right ureter was confirmed with CT post ultrasound-guided percutaneous antegrade pyelography. Pyeloureteral rupture and the presence of a ureteral stone were confirmed at surgery.     

Ultrasound-guided biopsy

Ultrasound-guided biopsy is a good and feasible technique in dogs. Although we have only used it for biopsy of liver and kidney, it can have further uses. In our use of ultrasound-guided biopsy of kidney and liver, we have found that we can achieve adequate biopsy samples using the Franklin modified Vim-Silverman and Tru Cut biopsy of kidney and liver. The fine-needle biopsies of the liver were adequate for examination of hepatocytes but inadequate to evaluate structure owing to small size of the sample. In contrast, the renal fine-needle samples were both poor in quality and quantity. This technique has the advantages of being noninvasive, quick, and easy, and it can be performed with the patient under local anesthesia. It has an advantage over blind percutaneous biopsy because the needle can be visualized in the organ and the organ scanned after biopsy for possible complications. Another advantage is that, unlike other radiographic biopsy procedures, ionizing radiation is not used for imaging.     

Ultrasound-guided biopsy

Ultrasound-guided biopsy is a good and feasible technique in dogs. Although we have only used it for biopsy of liver and kidney, it can have further uses. In our use of ultrasound-guided biopsy of kidney and liver, we have found that we can achieve adequate biopsy samples using the Franklin modified Vim-Silverman and Tru Cut biopsy of kidney and liver. The fine-needle biopsies of the liver were adequate for examination of hepatocytes but inadequate to evaluate structure owing to small size of the sample. In contrast, the renal fine-needle samples were both poor in quality and quantity. This technique has the advantages of being noninvasive, quick, and easy, and it can be performed with the patient under local anesthesia. It has an advantage over blind percutaneous biopsy because the needle can be visualized in the organ and the organ scanned after biopsy for possible complications. Another advantage is that, unlike other radiographic biopsy procedures, ionizing radiation is not used for imaging.     

Ultrasound-guided liver biopsy in birds

In this study, 30 pigeons (Columba livia forma domestica) and 30 quails (Coturnix coturnix) were used to evaluate the diagnostic practicability and relevance of an ultrasound-conducted liver biopsy. Their body weight ranged between 144 and 603g. Considering anatomical peculiarities, the lateral (pigeons) or ventro-median (quails) access was chosen. In the case of the pigeons, 29 (96.7%) biopsies proved clearly to be liver tissue, while in the case of the smaller quails, 19 (63.3%) samples could be clearly identified as liver tissue. All animals but one quail survived the intervention. The blood chemical parameters varied before and after the biopsy within the physiological range. These results show that ultrasound-guided liver biopsy in avian patients is generally possible and with strict indication and conscientious application can be considered as a relatively risk free and diagnostically sensible addition to liver diagnostic in birds. An aimed collection of focal hepatic alterations is conceivable depending on the size of the patient.     

Ultrasound-guided coxofemoral arthrocentesis in horses

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Coxofemoral joint pain is probably underestimated due to difficulties in identifying hip pain. The deep location of the joint and proximity of the sciatic nerve make arthrocentesis based on external landmarks a difficult and potentially risky procedure in mature horses. OBJECTIVES: To describe an ultrasound-guided injection technique of the coxofemoral joint in standing horses and to evaluate its accuracy and potential difficulties/complications. METHODS: Nine mature horses had both pelvic areas prepared for sterile ultrasound examination (3.5 MHz curvilinear probe). Coxofemoral joints were located and penetrated at their craniodorsolateral aspect under ultrasonographic guidance and injected with sterile contrast medium. A standing ventrodorsal radiographic view of each hemipelvis centred on the hip was obtained for each horse to assess the injection site. Horses were evaluated for 10 days following injection for possible complications. RESULTS: Intra-articular injection was successful in all 18 joints. The procedure was well tolerated by horses under minimal restraint. Mean +/- s.d. needle repositionings required before accurate placement was 1.5 +/- 1.3 per joint. Once the needle was in the joint, synovial fluid was obtained in 7/18 joints. Minimal periarticular contrast medium was detected in 2/18 joints. Mean +/- s.d. ultrasonographic examination time required for coxofemoral localisation, accurate needle positioning and injection was 4.3 +/- 2.1 min. No complications were observed in the 10 days following injection. CONCLUSION: The ultrasound-guided coxofemoral arthrocentesis is an accurate, reliable and safe technique that offers a real time evaluation of needle introduction into the deep and narrow coxofemoral joint space. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Although this technique remains to be tested on clinical cases, it is a promising tool to facilitate diagnosis of coxofemoral pain, septic arthritis or administration of intra-articular medication.     

Expression of fibroblast growth factor 21 in the liver of dairy cows in the transition period and during lactation

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been identified as a novel hormonal factor involved in the regulation of metabolic adaptations during energy deprivation. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of the FGF21 gene in the liver of dairy cows during the transition from pregnancy to lactation. Therefore, the relative mRNA abundance of FGF21 in liver biopsy samples of 20 dairy cows in late pregnancy (3 weeks pre‐partum) and early lactation (1, 5, 14 weeks post‐partum) was determined. It was observed that hepatic mRNA abundance of FGF21 at 1 week post‐partum was dramatically increased (110‐fold) compared to 3 weeks pre‐partum (p < 0.001). With progress of lactation, mRNA concentration of FGF21 was declining; nevertheless, mRNA abundance at 5 and 14 weeks post‐partum remained 25‐ and 10‐fold increased compared to 3 weeks pre‐partum (p < 0.001). Using a gene array technique, it was found that many genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis were up‐regulated during early lactation compared to late pregnancy. Moreover, there were positive linear correlations between hepatic mRNA concentration of FGF21 and mRNA concentrations of genes involved in ketogenesis as well as carnitine synthesis and carnitine uptake at various time‐points during lactation, indicating that FGF21 could play a role in ketogenesis and carnitine metabolism in the liver of dairy cows (p < 0.05). In overall, the present study shows that expression of the FGF21 gene is strongly up‐regulated during the transition period. It is assumed that the up‐regulation of FGF21 might play an important role in the adaptation of liver metabolism during early lactation in dairy cows such as in other species.     

Ultrasound-guided serial transabdominal cardiac biopsies in cats

A percutaneous/transdiaphragmatic core needle biopsy technique was developed in cats to obtain serial biopsies from different locations of the left ventricle, through which morphological and molecular changes within the same individual can be studied to unravel the mechanisms of feline cardiomyopathies. Transmural left ventricular myocardial samples were obtained from 29 anesthetized, healthy, adult cats with ultrasound guidance. An 18G automatic biopsy needle was inserted between the last left rib and the sternum through the diaphragm into the thorax. Biopsies were obtained from the left ventricular wall. In five cats, three single biopsies were taken with 4-week intervals. Autopsy was performed on six cats, of which three cats had serial biopsies. In total, 87 biopsies were obtained without long-term effects on cardiac function or structure. The biopsies caused transient single ventricular premature complexes and mild pericardial effusion without tamponade. Necropsy revealed a minimal amount of fibrous connective tissue in the diaphragm and the heart without any significant microscopic lesions in the adjacent muscle tissue. The high quality biopsy material was suitable for morphological and molecular studies. This minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided cardiac biopsy technique thus allows for the safe collection of serial biopsies to study feline cardiomyopathies in an experimental setting.     

Ultrasound-guided retrobulbar nerve block in donkey cadavers

ObjectiveTo develop and describe an acoustic window to access and inject the retrobulbar region in donkey cadavers.Study designProspective cadaveric experimental study.AnimalsA total of 14 donkey cadaver heads.MethodsUltrasound landmarks for retrobulbar injection were identified by dissection of two cadavers. Ultrasound-guided retrobulbar injection of 3, 6 and 9 mL of contrast–lidocaine mixture (1:1) were evaluated using computed tomography (CT) in 12 cadavers for needle position and spread of injectate into the extraocular muscle cone.ResultsReal-time visualization of needle, extraocular muscle cone and optic nerve enabled successful intraconal instillation of injectate, as documented on CT images.Conclusions and clinical relevanceUltrasound-guided retrobulbar injections in cadaver donkeys provided adequate infiltration of the intraconal space.     

奶牛亚急性瘤胃酸中毒(SARA)

本文简要介绍奶牛亚急性瘤胃酸中毒的概念、症状、诊断及预防。     

Ultrasound-guided retrieval of plant awns

In dogs, surgical removal of plant awns causing a foreign body granuloma or abscess may be challenging. The inability to localize the foreign body during surgical removal often leads to abscess recurrence. In this report, we describe ultrasound-guided retrieval as an alternative to standard surgical retrieval in animals where the plant awn can be identified sonographically. This procedure was used in six dogs with a superficial abscess due to a plant awn, and in all dogs the foreign body was successfully retrieved with Hartmann forceps. No complication was observed and no abscess recurred. Minimally invasive ultrasound-guided plant awn retrieval appears to be a safe effective method of retrieving superficially located plant awns in the dog.     

Studies on the excretion of estrogen in cows following oral and percutaneous (pour-on) administration of chlormadinone acetate]

The oestrogen levels were assessed in 180 urine samples taken from 20 cows. The animals had received over 15 days 40 mg one-per-cent oily solution of chloromadinone acetate. The solution had been applied orally or by pour-on methods. The curves of oestrogen excretion were identical for both methods of application, both during and after completed administration. In other words, the effect obtainable from pour-on application is just as good as that obtainable from oral administration.     

Ultrasound-guided vessel catheterization in adult Yorkshire cross-bred pigs

Objective

To describe an ultrasound-guided approach for venous and arterial vascular access and catheterization in anesthetized adult Yorkshire cross-bred pigs.