RADIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS OF CANINE DYSAUTONOMIA IN TWENTY-FOUR DOGS

Canine dysautonomia is an idiopathic condition resulting in loss of autonomic nervous system function. Recently, the prevalence of dogs diagnosed with dysautonomia in the mid-western United States has increased. In this study the medical records and radiographic findings in 24 dogs with dysautonomia were reviewed. A diagnosis of dysautonomia was made in 17 (71%) of the dogs in this study by postmortem examination, the remaining 7 (29%) dogs were diagnosed pharmacologically. The radiographic findings supportive of dysautonomia include aspiration pneumonia, megaesophagus, or a distended stomach, small bowel, or urinary bladder. In some instances, the disease radiographically mimicked other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, including mechanical obstruction.     

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF THE EQUINE STIFLE

The purpose of this study was to define normal gross anatomic structures in the equine stifle with magnetic resonance images. Magnetic resonance (MR) images were made in sagittal, 15° supinated, transverse, and dorsal planes of two equine stifles. The MR images were scrutinized by comparing MR images to dissection specimens and frozen cross sections of stifle joints. Sagittal and 15° supinated images were the most valuable in assessing articular cartilage, subchondral bone, and soft tissue structures within the joint. Cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, medial and lateral menisci, meniscotibial and meniscofemoral ligaments, long digital extensor tendon, and patellar ligaments were easily evaluated. MR images provided substantially more gross anatomical information than the currently available imaging modalities.     

The clinical utility of the right lateral intercostal ultrasound scan technique in dogs

When performing abdominal ultrasonography in dogs, the right aspect of the liver, porta hepatis, right kidney, right adrenal gland, pancreas, and duodenum are often not fully visible from a ventral, or subcostal, approach. The right lateral intercostal plane is an alternative approach that allows evaluation of these structures. This report provides multiple case examples that demonstrate the sonographic anatomy via the right intercostal approach. Other cases are included to demonstrate indications for this approach. Animals in which the right intercostal approach may prove most useful include large- and giant-breed dogs; deep-chested dogs; dogs with gas distention of the stomach, duodenum, and colon; dogs with microhepatia; and those with abdominal effusion and pain.     

Cystic thyroid and parathyroid lesions in cats

Reports of cystic thyroid and parathyroid masses in cats are uncommon. Herein, the authors describe a series of four cats with cystic ventral cervical lesions, among them thyroid cyst (n=1), thyroid cystadenoma (n=2), and parathyroid adenocarcinoma (n=1). Presentations ranged from completely asymptomatic cervical swellings to signs related to local compression of adjacent structures (e.g., trachea). Ultrasonographic evaluation was helpful in localization of the mass in two cases. Hormone analysis and concentration of cystic fluid were performed in one cat. Surgical excision was performed successfully in three cases. Histopathological examination was performed in all four cases. Long-term prognosis was excellent for those cases in which follow-up was available.     

The accessory lung lobe in thoracic disease: a case series and anatomical review

Diseases of the accessory lung lobe (AccLL) are often overlooked in dogs and cats, perhaps because of its recessed location. Diseases of this lobe also can mimic diseases of the diaphragm or structures comprising the caudal mediastinum. Normal anatomy of the AccLL and the diagnostic tools used today will be reviewed to help differentiate disease of adjacent organs. Four cases will also be described to illustrate disease presentation and radiographic findings affecting this lobe.     

Case examples demonstrating the clinical utility of obtaining both right and left lateral abdominal radiographs in small animals

Seven case examples are presented which illustrate the utility of using both right to left and left to right laterolateral abdominal radiographs (left lateral and right lateral recumbent radiographs, respectively) when evaluating gastrointestinal disease. These cases demonstrate the benefits of obtaining both lateral abdominal radiographs in disease of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. A review of the literature concerning this technique is provided.     

Compression radiography: an old technique revisited

Five case examples are provided to illustrate the use of compression radiography in the dog and cat. Abdominal compression radiography provides for evaluation of the size, shape, location, and opacity of a specific area without the degree of superimposition encountered with survey radiographs. The following cases illustrate compression techniques of the intestinal tract, uterus, kidney, bladder, and spleen. A review of the technique as well as a discussion of the advantages and limitations are presented.     

Pre-operative fibrous osteodystrophy and severe,refractory, post-operative hypocalcemia following parathyroidectomy in a dog

A 13-year-old dog exhibited dramatic, radiographic osteopenia consistent with fibrous osteodystrophy secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism. Following parathyroidectomy, the dog developed severe, prolonged hypocalcemia, but was successfully treated and discharged 32 d after surgery. A variety of factors may have contributed to this dog’s hypocalcemia including hypoparathyroidism and hungry bone syndrome.     

Computed tomographic myelography of a foal with discospondylitis and extradural spinal cord compression due to a vertebral abscess

A one‐month‐old Quarter Horse colt presented with progressive gait abnormalities and weakness. The foal was ataxic at presentation. Radiography identified focal endplate irregularities and lysis at C6–7. Radiographic diagnosis was discospondylitis. Computed tomographic myelography was performed immediately following euthanasia and identified an extradural compressive spinal cord lesion corresponding to the site of discospondylitis. Post mortem examination findings included abscess formation at the C6–7 intervertebral space with osteomyelitis extending into the adjacent physes and subchondral bone of caudal C6 and cranial C7. The vertebral abscess extended into the ventral spinal canal at C6–7 and was identified as the cause of extradural spinal cord compression. Salmonella sp. was cultured and isolated from purulent exudate at the intervertebral space. Computed tomographic myelography has not been previously reported for assessment of discospondylitis in horses and was successful at accurately characterising spinal cord compression in addition to osteolytic changes associated with discospondylitis.