Ectopic ureterocele in a cat

A 9-month-old, castrated male domestic shorthair cat with urinary incontinence was referred for surgical correction of an ectopic ureter. Excretory urography revealed hydronephrosis of the right kidney, right hydroureter, and ureterocele. A partial ureterocelectomy and neoureterocystostomy were performed. This report describes the surgical modification of the ureterocele and ectopic ureter to correct ipsilateral hydronephrosis, hydroureter, and urinary incontinence.     

RADIATION EXPOSURE DURING EQUINE RADIOGRAPHY

All personnel present in the X-ray examination room during equine radiography were monitored using low energy direct reading ionization chambers (pockets dosimeters) worn outside the lead apron at neck level. The individuals' task and dosimeter readings were recorded after each examination. Average doses ranged from 0 to 6 mrad per study. The greatest exposures were associated with radiography of the shoulder and averaged less than 4 mrad. The individual extending the horse's limb was at greatest risk although the individual holding the horse's halter and the one making the X-ray exposure received similar exposures.
A survey of the overhead tube assembly used for some of the X-ray examinations also was performed. Meter readings obtained indicated an asymetric dose distribution around the tube assembly, with the highest dose occurring on the side to which the exposure cord was attached.
Although the exposures observed were within acceptable limits for occupational workers, we have altered our protocol and no longer radiograph the equine shoulder unless the horse is anesthetized. Continued use of the pocket dosimeters and maintenance of a case record of radiation exposure appears to make the technologists more aware of radiation hazards.     

Sonography of the liver, gallbladder, and spleen

Focal hepatic and splenic lesions, vascular abnormalities, and disorders of the biliary system can readily be detected with ultrasonography. The sonographic appearance in certain cases may be nonspecific, but the differential diagnosis can be substantially narrowed when the presenting clinical signs are considered. Ultrasonography is less helpful when the liver or spleen is diffusely involved without parenchymal abnormalities. However, certain diseases may also be eliminated from diagnostic consideration on the basis of this finding. Percutaneous ultrasound guided biopsy markedly improves the success and safety of obtaining a definitive diagnosis when either diffuse or focal lesions are present. Sonography has also been very beneficial for serially evaluating the response to therapy once focal lesions of the liver or spleen have been identified.     

A COMPARISON OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND RADIOGRAPHY FOR THE DETECTION OF SMALL AMOUNTS OF FREE PERITONEAL FLUID IN THE DOG

The detection of small amounts of free peritoneal fluid in the canine patient can be a diagnostic dilemma. Ultrasonography and radiography have been advocated to detect intraabdominal fluid not detectable by physical exam. The purpose of this study was to determine the more sensitive method for detecting small amounts of free peritoneal fluid. Ultrasound examinations and radiographs were performed after increments (1 ml/lb body weight) of fluid were injected intraperitoneally. Ultrasonography detected fluid in one animal at 2 ml/lb. AH other animals had fluid detected at 3 ml/lb. With radiographs fluid could be detected with a high degree of accuracy at 4 ml/lb. The lateral view was more accurate than the ventrodorsal view in detecting fluid. The authors concluded that Ultrasonography is more sensitive than radiography and is the method of choice to detect small amounts of free peritoneal fluid.     

The influence of stand density and canopy position on sulfur content in needles of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.)

Analysis of total S in tree foliage has become widely accepted as a means of assessing S pollution of forests when air quality data are lacking. An investigation of total S content of mixed needle samples of different age and canopy height from two stands of young Norway spruce with different densities showed that S-content exceeded the maximum natural S-content (i.e. in the absence of SO₂-pollution) for spruce. Significantly higher average needle S contents were encountered with decreasing stand density. Changed aerodynamic roughness and physiological status of thinned trees indicated combined action of atmospheric and tree physiological variables on S deposition and uptake in forest ecosystems. A marked increase in S content from 1 yr old to older needles and from the lower to the upper canopy was observed.     

Rhinitis, pneumonia, and defective neutrophil function in the Doberman pinscher

Eight closely related Doberman Pinschers with chronic rhinitis and pneumonia had normal or increased numbers of structurally normal leukocytes. Serum concentrations of immunoglobulins and complement were above or within normal ranges. Lymphocyte transformation indices for 3 mitogens were normal in 7 of the 8 dogs; the remaining dog had low values for all mitogens. Neutrophils phagocytized bacteria normally, but had impaired bactericidal ability. The bactericidal defect may have been related to the inability of neutrophils to generate normal numbers of oxygen radicals after stimulation, as determined by decreased ability of neutrophils to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium and to produce superoxide following opsonized zymosan stimulation. These observations, plus finding chronic inflammatory disease in the lungs of one dog, indicated that the disease may have some similarity to chronic granulomatous disease or to complement receptor deficiency in man.     

BILATERAL OVARIAN ADENOCARCINOMA IN A DOG: ULTRASONOGRAPHIC-AIDED DIAGNOSIS

Abdominal ultrasonography was instrumental in the diagnosis of bilateral ovarian adenocarcinoma in a twelve year old female Irish Setter. Severe ascites limited the diagnostic quality of abdominal radiography, but enhanced ultrasonographic images. Ultrasonographically, the ovarian tumors were large, contained multiple anechoic cystic structures, and had irregular margins. The ultrasonographic appearance of ovarian adenocarcinoma has not been previously reported.