THE USE OF A BARIUM MEAL TO EVALUATE TOTAL GASTRIC EMPTYING TIME IN THE DOG

Total gastric emptying time was determined in nine mongrel dogs using a barium meal contrast procedure. Within the group, total gastric emptying time ranged from 7.0–15.0 hours. Comparison of the population mean showed a statistical difference (p − 0.01) from previously published values. Individual dogs showed consistent total gastric emptying time over three trials. The technique can be used to test the effect of a procedure on total gastric emptying time when a normal value has been established for the dog. Due to the wide range of normal values observed, evaluation of clinical patients could be difficult unless there is a gross abnormality in function.     

PRENATAL SONOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS OF FETAL DEATH AND HYDRANENCEPHALY IN TWO CHIHUAHUA FETUSES

Hydranencephaly and fetal death was diagnosed in two of three fetuses during the abdominal sonographic examination of a 2.5-year-old, intact female Chihuahua that had clinical signs of dystocia 63 days after mating. A cesarean section was performed and one live normal puppy was present. Two dead puppies, each with a markedly enlarged and fluid filled skull were removed.     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF THE LLAMA HEAD: TECHNIQUE AND NORMAL ANATOMY

Computed tomography was performed on the head of 6 normal adult llamas. The animals were under general anesthesia and positioned in dorsal recumbency on the scanning table. The area scanned was from the external occipital protuberance to the rostral portion of the nasal passage, and the images are presented in both a bone window and a soft tissue window to allow evaluation and identification of the anatomy of the head. Computed tomography of the llama head can be accomplished by most computed tomography scanners utilizing a technique similar to that used in small animals with minor modification of the scanning table.     

How to make models of equine feet for accurate measurement and long-term study

The shape of equine hooves is difficult to measure and quantify. Scientific research on the effects of hoof conformation on normal and abnormal locomotion often requires precise characterization of hoof conformation. This technique produces accurate, life-size, permanent models of the hoof quickly and inexpensively from dental plastic powder and dental plaster.     

URETERAL FIBROEPITHELIAL POLYPS IN FOUR DOGS

Four dogs with ureteral fibroepithelial polyps, ranging from 9-12 years of age, are presented in this report. The patients presented with urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, and/or polydypsia and pollakiuria. All dogs were intact at the time of diagnosis or for the majority of their lives and three were male. Various diagnostic procedures were performed including ultrasonography, contrast radiography, and nuclear scintigraphy. Not all procedures were performed in all patients. Findings included ureteral dilation proximal to the level of an intraluminal mass and ipsilateral hydronephrosis. Unilateral ureteronephrectomy was performed in three dogs with masses in the proximal ureter; ureteral resection and anastamosis was performed in the remaining patient with a mass located in the distal ureter. The same pathologist (RAP) reviewed all four lesions. The lesions appeared polypoid and were attached to the ureteral wall by a thin stalk. Histopathologically, they contained a superficial layer of well-differentiated transitional epithelial cells overlying a prominent fibrovascular stroma with a mild (three dogs) or marked (one dog) degree of lymphoplasmacytic inflammation. This disease may represent a benign neoplasm or a chronic inflammatory reaction and has a good prognosis with surgical removal. Its histopathological characteristics, higher incidence in males, and location more commonly within the upper third of the ureter is remarkably similar to the disease in humans.