SONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE CRANIAL MEDIASTINUM IN SMALL ANIMALS

Clinical records, radiographs, and sonograms of 17 animals presented for possible cranial mediastinal disease were reviewed. Radiographs were evaluated for accuracy in detection of mediastinal masses. Sonography of the mediastinum was performed using a parasternal approach with the animals in sternal or lateral recumbency. The mediastinum was evaluated for the presence of a mass or other disease. Masses were characterized by echogenicity, size, number, and margination. Mediastinal vessels were studied to determine if there was vascular invasion or compression. A comparison of radiographic and sonographic assessment in cranial mediastinal disease indicates sonography adds valuable information in the diagnosis of mediastinal disease. Results of ultrasound-guided, fine-needle aspirate were documented and found to be advantageous in establishing a diagnosis in mediastinal masses.     

SONOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF RENAL NEOPLASIA IN THE DOG

Eight dogs with renal neoplasia were radiographically and sonographically examined. An enlarged, nonopacified kidney was seen on the excretory urogram in four dogs, but differentiation between a solid mass or severe hydronephrosis was not possible. The excretory urogram suggested an avascular lesion in one kidney, but differentiation between solid or cystic disease was not possible. Renal neoplasia was diagnosed in two dogs by excretory urography. Radiographic examination suggested splenic neoplasia in one dog. Solid masses were sonographically diagnosed in all dogs. A metastatic lesion was sonographically diagnosed in the opposite kidney of one dog that was missed on the radiographic examination. Ultrasonography com-plemented radiography as a diagnostic modality in eliciting additional information on renal disease. Sonograms did not allow determination of tumor cell type or whether the tumor was benign or malignant.     

Ultrasonographic features of splenic hemangiosarcoma in dogs: 18 cases (1980-1986)

The medical records of 18 dogs in which ultrasonography was useful in making a diagnosis of splenic hemangiosarcoma were reviewed. Splenic ultrasonography revealed masses with echo patterns that ranged from anechoic fluid to hyperechoic tissue. In 7 dogs, metastasis was detected ultrasonographically as anechoic to hypoechoic lesions in the liver.     

Ultrasonographic features of splenic lymphosarcoma in dogs: 12 cases (1980-1986)

The ultrasonographic appearance of the spleen and adjacent organs in 12 dogs with splenic lymphosarcoma was reviewed. Poorly marginated hypoechoic to anechoic nodules (4 mm to 3 cm in diameter) were found in all dogs. The anechoic nodules did not result in reflective shadowing or acoustic enhancement of the underlying tissues. The remainder of the splenic parenchyma appeared relatively hypoechoic when compared with the liver or renal cortices in 9 dogs. Recognition of this ultrasonographic pattern appears to be a useful diagnostic tool. Needle aspiration guided ultrasonographically will then enable histologic confirmation of lymphosarcoma.     

Sonography of the kidney

Sonographic scanning techniques of the kidney are presented. Normal nephrosonographic anatomy is given as a basis for comparison with the sonographic appearance of various renal lesions. The sonographic appearance of renal calculi, hydronephrosis, renal parenchymal and cystic disease, and renal neoplasia is described.     

Circumcostal gastropexy for preventing recurrence of gastric dilatation-volvulus in the dog: an evaluation of 30 cases

Follow-up evaluation (mean, 13.7 months) was obtained in 30 dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus that were surgically treated with circumcostal gastropexy. Evaluation was performed by questionnaire (29 dogs), radiographic contrast studies (23 dogs), and necropsy (6 dogs). The gastropexy was thought to be intact in all 23 dogs examined radiographically. Necropsy of 6 dogs dying from causes unrelated to gastric dilatation-volvulus (mean of 12.7 months after surgery) revealed an intact gastropexy site in each dog. Only 1 (3.3%) dog had clinical recurrence of gastric dilatation after surgery. Five additional dogs dying postoperatively were necropsied and had intact gastropexy sites.     

Bilateral hydronephrosis attributable to bilateral ureteral fibrosis in a cat

A 4-year-old castrated male Burmese cat was evaluated because of nonregenerative anemia (PCV, 20%) and was found to have renal failure. Renal ultrasonography revealed bilateral hydronephrosis. Antegrade pyelography of the right kidney failed to indicate obstructive disease. Necropsy and histologic examination of the ureters revealed a markedly stenotic lumen and massive fibrosis of the mucosa. An etiologic agent could not be found.     

RADIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT IN THE DOG

The radiographic signs associated with implanted canine total hip prostheses include: (1) a 1 mm-or-less wide static lucent zone at the acetabular and femoral bone-cement interfaces, and (2) periosteal bone proliferation surrounding the stem of the femoral prosthesis. The radiographic signs associated with total hip replacement complications are dislocation of the femoral component, bone changes suggestive of infection involving the acetabular and femoral components, and loosening of the acetabular component. Arthrography is beneficial in determining the presence of a loose prosthesis with or without infection.     

SONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF CANINE TESTICULAR AND SCROTAL ABNORMALITIES: A REVIEW OF 26 CASE HISTORIES

The ultrasonographic and medical records of 26 dogs examined for testicular/scrotal abnormalities were reviewed. Fifteen dogs were diagnosed with testicular neoplasia that included one or more of the following tumor cell types: Sertoli cell, seminoma and interstitial cell. Ultrasound was highly sensitive to detection of testicular neoplasia including one nonpalpable tumor. Tumor type specificity was not readily apparent in this study, although the three nondescended Sertoli cell tumors displayed similar characteristic sonographic patterns. Six dogs were reviewed with nonneoplastic, noninfectious disorders that included: vascular compromise, atrophy, scrotal edema and intestinal hernia. Five dogs with infectious diseases were reviewed. Ultrasound was sensitive and relatively specific for the nonneoplastic conditions.