Subchondral bone density distribution of the talus in clinically normal Labrador Retrievers

BACKGROUND

Bones continually adapt their morphology to their load bearing function. At the level of the subchondral bone, the density distribution is highly correlated with the loading distribution of the joint. Therefore, subchondral bone density distribution can be used to study joint biomechanics non-invasively. In addition physiological and pathological joint loading is an important aspect of orthopaedic disease, and research focusing on joint biomechanics will benefit veterinary orthopaedics. This study was conducted to evaluate density distribution in the subchondral bone of the canine talus, as a parameter reflecting the long-term joint loading in the tarsocrural joint.

RESULTS

Two main density maxima were found, one proximally on the medial trochlear ridge and one distally on the lateral trochlear ridge. All joints showed very similar density distribution patterns and no significant differences were found in the localisation of the density maxima between left and right limbs and between dogs.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the density distribution the lateral trochlear ridge is most likely subjected to highest loads within the tarsocrural joint. The joint loading distribution is very similar between dogs of the same breed. In addition, the joint loading distribution supports previous suggestions of the important role of biomechanics in the development of OC lesions in the tarsus. Important benefits of computed tomographic osteoabsorptiometry (CTOAM), i.e. the possibility of in vivo imaging and temporal evaluation, make this technique a valuable addition to the field of veterinary orthopaedic research.

Cosmetische rostrale neusreconstructie na plaveiselcelcarcinoomresectie bij twee honden

Twee mannelijke golden retrievers van ongeveer tien jaar oud werden aangeboden met een zichtbare massa in de neus, niesden en vertoonden epistaxis. Uit histologisch onderzoek na bioptname bleek dat het bij beide honden om een plaveiselcelcarcinoom ging. Bij verdere stagering waren er geen aanwijzingen voor metastasen. Chirurgische wegname van de tumor door middel van een planectomie of nosectomie werd voorgesteld. Omdat de klassieke excisie van de neusspiegel voor deze eigenaars cosmetisch onaanvaardbaar was, werd bij beide honden gekozen voor een rostrale neusreconstructie. Bij de eerste hond bevond de tumor zich aan de oppervlakte, waardoor resectie van het kraakbenig deel van de neus voldoende was en een planectomie werd uitgevoerd. Bij de tweede hond daarentegen was er tevens botaantasting, waardoor niet alleen de neus, maar ook het os incisiva werd verwijderd (nosectomie). Bij beide honden werd een remissie van de tumor verkregen na een follow-up van respectievelijk 35 en 29 maanden, met tegelijkertijd een uitstekend cosmetisch resultaat.

Medial coronoid disease in an eleven-year-old Labrador retriever

In this case report, the occurrence of medial coronoid disease (MCD) is described in an elevenyear- old Labrador retriever. A left frontleg lameness had started six months before presentation. Radiographs showed minimal pathology and computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a discrete fissure of the medial coronoid process. Arthroscopy confirmed the presence of a coronoid lesion, visible as chondromalacia. Treatment was performed by arthroscopic removal of the diseased cartilage and subchondral bone. Despite the successful procedure, the dog needed continuous physiotherapy to maintain an acceptable gait. MCD is a developmental disorder mainly affecting young large breed dogs. However, the described dog was already eleven years old. Nevertheless, the duration of lameness was rather short and the imaging and arthroscopic findings could not demonstrate a chronic problem. In the literature, little information is available about the etiology, prevalence and treatment outcome of medial coronoid pathology in old dogs.

Assessment of medial coronoid disease in 180 canine lame elbow joints: a sensitivity and specificity comparison of radiographic, computed tomographic and arthroscopic findings

Background

Diagnostic imaging is essential to assess the lame patient; lesions of the elbow joint have traditionally been evaluated radiographically, however computed tomography (CT) has been suggested as a useful technique to diagnose various elbow pathologies. The primary objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of CT to assess medial coronoid disease (MCD), using arthroscopy as gold standard. The secondary objective was to ascertain the radiographic sensitivity and specificity for MCD compared with CT.

Methods

For this study 180 elbow joints were assessed, of which 141 had been examined with radiography, CT and arthroscopy; and 39 joints, had radiographic and CT assessment. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for CT and radiographic findings using available statistical software.

Results

Sensitivity and specificity of CT using arthroscopy as gold standard resulted in high values for sensitivity (100 %) and specificity (93 %) for the assessment of MCD. For the radiographic evaluation, a sensitivity of 98 % and specificity of 64 - 69 % using CT as the technique of reference, were found.

Discussion

These results suggest that in case of doubt during radiographic assessment, CT could be used as a non-invasive technique to assess the presence of MCD.

Conclusion

Based on the high sensitivity and specificity obtained in this study it has been considered that CT, rather than arthroscopy, is the preferred noninvasive technique to assess MCD lesions of the canine elbow joint.

Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Multislice Computed Tomography for the Detection of Cervical Syringomyelia in Dogs

BACKGROUND

Syringomyelia (SM) is defined as the presence of fluid-containing cavities within the parenchyma of the spinal cord. Sagittal magnetic resonance (MR) images have been described as the preferred technique for visualizing SM in dogs and humans.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether computed tomography (CT) can be used to diagnose SM.

ANIMALS

Thirty-two client-owned dogs referred for investigation of the cervical spine on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT.

METHODS

Two reviewers retrospectively analyzed sagittal and transverse T1-weighted spin echo (T1WSE) MR images and CT images from each dog for the presence of SM and, if SM was present, the width (mm, syrinx width [SW]) was measured. The results were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

For the presence of SM there was a moderate interobserver agreement for MR (81%, κ = 0.54) and almost perfect agreement for CT (94%, κ = 0.87). There was a moderate intramodality agreement for both observers (observer 1 81%, κ = 0.59; observer 2 81%, κ = 0.57). For measurement of SW the repeatability was the best on the midsagittal T1WSE images (95% repeatability coefficient <0.52 mm) and the reproducibility was the best on midsagittal images in both modalities (95% limits of agreement -0.55-0.45; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Both techniques can be used to detect SM. Midsagittal MR and CT images are best used for measuring SW. Computed tomography can be used as a diagnostic tool for SM when MRI is not available, but CT cannot replace MRI as the standard screening technique for the detection of SM in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for breeding purposes.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis of the spine in a nine-year-old cat

A nine-year-old intact female domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for paraparesis, ataxia and severe spinal hyperaesthesia. Neurological examination indicated a T3-L3 spinal cord segment lesion. Computed tomography of the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral vertebral column was performed. This showed contiguous smooth new bone formation ventral and lateral to the vertebrae extending from the cranial thoracic area to the lumbosacral junction and appearing similar to canine diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. There was also marked dorsolateral stenosis of the vertebral canal at the level of T4-T5 because of degenerative changes of the facet joints. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first published report of feline diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.

Morphology of the Canine Omentum Part 1: Arterial Landmarks that Define the Omentum

Although the omentum remains an enigmatic organ, research during the last decades has revealed its fascinating functions including fat storage, fluid drainage, immune activity, angiogenesis and adhesion. While clinicians both in human and veterinary medicine are continuously exploring new potential omental applications, detailed anatomical data on the canine omentum are currently lacking, and information is often retrieved from human medicine. In this study, the topographic anatomy of the canine greater and lesser omentum is explored in depth. Current nomenclature is challenged, and a more detailed terminology is proposed. Consistent arteries that are contained within folds of the superficial omental wall are documented, described and named, as they can provide the anatomical landmarks that are necessary for unambiguous scientific communication on the canine omentum. In an included dissection video, the conclusions and in situ findings described in this study are demonstrated.

Low-field MRI and multislice CT for the detection of cerebellar (foramen magnum) herniation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Background

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) have a high prevalence of Chiari‐like malformation (CM). Herniation of the cerebellum into the foramen magnum is a key diagnostic feature for CM. Midsagittal MR images are the preferred technique for visualizing cerebellar herniation (CH).

Objective

To investigate whether CT can be used to diagnose CH.

Animals

Fifteen client‐owned CKCS dogs referred for investigation of the brain and cranial cervical spine on MRI and CT.

Methods

Two reviewers retrospectively analyzed midsagittal T1WSE and T2WSE MR images and midsagittal pre‐ and postcontrast 2D multiplanar reformatted CT images from each dog for the presence of CH. And, if present, the length (mm, CHL) of the herniation was measured. The results were analyzed statistically.

Results

There was no significant difference between the different observers and techniques for the detection of CH and measurement of CHL. Overall, the CHL was longer on the CT images.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Both techniques are useful for detecting CH and measuring CHL. Because CHL does not have a known direct impact on the clinical presentation of CM, CT can be used as a diagnostic tool in a routine clinical practice for CM in CKCS when MRI is not available. We emphasize that MRI is the standard screening technique in CKCS for breeding purposes to detect the presence of CM and SM and, at the current time, CT cannot replace MRI.

De behandeling van een omvangrijke ribtumor bij een hond

Een twaalf jaar oude Engelse cockerspaniël werd doorverwezen omwille van manken ten gevolge van een massa op de rechter cranioventrale thoraxwand. De uitwendig beperkte massa bleek bij radiografisch onderzoek over een grote intrathoracale component te beschikken. De patiënt werd gestageerd en op basis van de resultaten van computertomografisch onderzoek werd chirurgie gepland en de tumor werd en bloc verwijderd. Histopathologisch bleek het om een osteosarcoom te gaan dat reeds gemetastaseerd was naar de regionale lymfeklieren. De hond werd aanvullend behandeld met chemotherapeutica. Gedurende vier maanden was de hond vrij van klachten. Nadien ontstond respiratoire hinder en werden longmetastasen vastgesteld. De hond werd vijf maanden na de ingreep geëuthanaseerd. Deze casuïstiek illustreert dat een voldoende agressieve, multimodale behandeling de levensduur ook in geval van een gevorderde, maligne tumor kwaliteitsvol kan verlengen.

Incomplete ossificatie van de humeruscondyl bij een jonge bordeauxdog

In deze casus wordt een incomplete ossificatie van de humeruscondyl beschreven bij een bordeauxdog van acht maanden oud. Als pup was de hond al intermitterend mank aan de rechtervoorpoot. Omwille van het ras en de klinische en radiografische bevindingen werd in de eerste plaats aan elleboogdysplasie gedacht. Echter, aan de hand van het computertomografisch onderzoek werd een incomplete ossificatie van de humeruscondyl vastgesteld. Deze aandoening komt minder vaak voor dan elleboogdysplasie en veroorzaakt niet altijd manken. De hond werd conservatief behandeld vanwege de milde klinische klachten waarna het manken spontaan verdween. Het bijzondere aan deze casus is in de eerste plaats het signalement en de anamnese. Incomplete ossificatie komt vooral voor bij spaniëls en veroorzaakt bij pups meestal geen manken. Bovendien is het spontane herstel van deze hond atypisch. Vaak veroorzaakt de aandoening persisterend manken en soms evolueert een incomplete ossficatie naar een atraumatische humerale condylfractuur.

Acute liver failure secondary to metastatic liver infiltration: case report and review of the literature

We present the case of a patient who died from multiple organ failure due to acute liver failure as a result of malignant hepatic infiltration by an adenocarcinoma. A review of the literature revealed that the clinical picture, laboratory examination, and imaging studies do not contribute to the diagnosis of this rare cause of liver failure. Therefore, liver biopsy should be considered early in the process, as this diagnosis is a contraindication for orthotopic liver transplantation.

Signalment, clinical presentation, and diagnostic findings in 122 dogs with spinal arachnoid diverticula

Background

Most information about spinal arachnoid diverticula (SADs) in dogs has been retrieved from relatively small case series. The aim of this study was to describe this disease in a larger number of dogs.

Objectives

Description of the signalment, clinical presentation, and imaging findings of a large number of dogs with SADs.

Animals

One hundred and twenty‐two dogs with SADs.

Methods

Retrospective case series study. All medical records were searched for a diagnosis of SAD. The diagnosis was made based on myelography, computed tomography myelography (CT‐m), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

In the 122 dogs, 125 SADs were identified. Sixty‐five were located in the cervical region and 60 in the thoracolumbar region. A higher body weight was significantly associated with a cervical localization of the SAD (P < .001). Ninety‐five dogs were male and 27 dogs were female. Male dogs were significantly overrepresented (P < .0001). The most commonly affected breed was the Pug dog. Previous or concurrent spinal disorders, in the near proximity of the diagnosed SAD, were seen in 26 dogs. Eight of 13 French Bulldogs and 7 of 21 Pug dogs with SADs had a previous or concurrent spinal disease, whereas other spinal disorders occurred in only 1 of 17 Rottweilers with SADs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Pug dogs and French Bulldogs might have a predisposition for SAD development. In a large percentage of these dogs, a concurrent spinal disorder, which might predispose to SAD formation, was diagnosed. The high prevalence in male dogs warrants further investigation.

Bilaterale osteochondritis dissecans van de laterale taluskam bij een jonge rottweiler

In deze casuïstiek wordt een jonge rottweiler beschreven met bilaterale osteochondritis dissecans van de talus. Het signalement, de anamnese en klinische symptomen kwamen overeen met wat voor deze aandoening typisch is. Eerder atypisch waren de aangetaste laterale taluskammen. Wegens de grootte van de fragmenten was de prognose gereserveerd. De resultaten waren een jaar na de chirurgische behandeling daarentegen verrassend gunstig. Zowel de linker als de rechter laterale taluskam bleek beenderig opgevuld.

De invloed van geluidspollutie op zeezoogdieren

Miljoenen jaren geleden migreerden de voorouders van de huidige walvissen (Cetacea) van zee naar land. Deze evolutionaire gebeurtenis vergde ingrijpende morfologische aanpassingen. Voorpoten veranderden in flippers, achterpoten werden rudimentair en de neusgaten verplaatsten zich naar dorsaal op de schedel om als spuitgat te fungeren. Ook de zintuigen ondergingen drastische adaptaties. Gezien het zicht op grote diepte en in troebel water zeer beperkt is, rekenen walvissen op andere zintuigen dan het zicht om te navigeren, foerageren, jagen, communiceren met soortgenoten, etc. De productie en perceptie van geluidsgolven werden cruciaal voor het voortbestaan van deze wonderbaarlijke schepselen van de zee. Sommige soorten ontwikkelden zelfs echolocatie, gebaseerd op de natuurkundige principes van de geluidsleer, als bijkomend hulpmiddel om obstakels onder water te lokaliseren. Het spreekt voor zich dat elke verstoring van het gehoormechanisme levensbedreigend kan zijn voor deze dieren. Onderzoek naar het effect van geluidspollutie door menselijke activiteit op het mariene leven vraagt een multidisciplinaire aanpak. Een accurate berichtgeving van deze onderzoeksresultaten aan de beleidsmakers is cruciaal om de meest kwetsbare walvisachtigen te beschermen.

Computertomografie voor de detectie van longnodulen bij de hond

Computertomografie is de laatste jaren meer en meer beschikbaar in de diergeneeskunde. Een belangrijke toepassing is de detectie van longnodulen bij kankerpatiënten. Het vroegtijdig opsporen is essentieel voor het bepalen van de therapie en de prognose van de ziekte. In dit artikel worden het gebruik, de meerwaarde en de beperkingen van deze beeldvormingstechniek beschreven.