General considerations for ultrasound examinations

Patient preparation and restraint, instrumentation, and methods of retaining records of ultrasound images are discussed.     

NATURALLY OCCURRING RADIAL APLASIA IN MINK*

Naturally occurring radial aplasia was found in 14 of 26 closely related mink examined for forelimb abnormalities. The condition resembles human radial aplasia. Attempts to determine genetic or other causes were unsuccessful     

Percutaneous nephrostomy in short-term management of ureterolithiasis and renal dysfunction in a filly

Percutaneous nephrostomy was used to provide urine output in a 3-year-old Thoroughbred filly with azotemia and obstructive ureterolithiasis. Previous left ureteral surgery had failed to provide clinical improvement, and the filly became more azotemic. Nephrostomy was performed in the standing patient, with ultrasonographic guidance and local anesthesia. Continuing IV fluid therapy and diuresis through the nephrostomy tube resulted in a decrease in clinical signs of azotemia. However, the filly developed a cecal impaction, which ruptured during surgery because of colic, and was euthanatized.     

Diseases of the heart

Diagnostic ultrasound has allowed significant findings to be made in the investigation of cardiac disease in the horse. Because of the limited value of thoracic radiography in the adult horse with cardiac disease, ultrasound is the method of choice to document chamber enlargement, pericardial effusion, valvular abnormalities, and decreased contractility of the myocardium. The apparent changes in the flow characteristics and suspicion of abnormality in the right heart of racehorses need further investigation to fully document the etiopathogenesis of spontaneous contrast.     

Jugular venous prosthesis on the horse: A preliminary report

Woven dacron vascular prostheses^a were implanted in 6 horses to replace segments of external jugular veins. Anticoagulant therapy using sodium heparin and coumadin was done postoperatively. Clotting profiles and red blood cell counts were determined by measuring activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), one stage prothrombin time (OSPT), and packed cell volume (PCV). The horses were observed postoperatively for 4 to 38 days. Real time ultrasonography was used to monitor patency of the prostheses. All grafts remained patent during the observation period, although 3 cases of septic thrombosis were seen at necropsy.     

Inheritance of diabetes mellitus in Keeshond dogs

The genetic aspects of inherited, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus of Keeshond dogs were studied retrospectively and in a prospective mating program. The symbol dm was used to designate the gene that causes hypoplasia of the islets of Langerhans. The retrospective study disclosed 4 diabetic dogs; prospective outcross, backcross, and inbred matings disclosed 49 diabetic dogs. Outcrossing demonstrated that the diabetic phenotype was displayed readily against a genetic background of a breed other than the Keeshond. In dogs with the dm/dm genotype, onset of diabetes was most frequent before the dog was 6 months old, but did occur in some older dogs. The dm genotype was best described as autosomal recessive.