Ultrasonographic Appearance of Gallbladder Neoplasia in 14 Dogs and 1 Cat

Ultrasonography is the most commonly used diagnostic imaging tool for gallbladder disease in veterinary medicine. Primary gallbladder neoplasia is an uncommon finding with variable prognosis for which no studies have been published describing their ultrasonographic appearance and diagnosis. This retrospective, multicenter, case series study examines the ultrasonographic appearance of gallbladder neoplasia with histologically or cytologically confirmed diagnoses. A total of 14 dogs and 1 cat were analyzed. All discrete masses were sessile in shape and varied in size, echogenicity, location, and gallbladder wall thickening. All studies with images showing Doppler interrogation exhibited vascularity. Cholecystoliths were an uncommon finding, being present in only one case in this study, unlike in humans. The final diagnosis of the gallbladder neoplasia was neuroendocrine carcinoma (8), leiomyoma (3), lymphoma (1), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (1), extrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma (1), and adenoma (1). Findings from this study indicate that primary gallbladder neoplasms have variable sonographic appearances and cytologic and histologic diagnoses.

Radiographic and histopathologic characteristics of pulmonary fibrosis in nine cats

Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive fatal interstitial lung disease that is often idiopathic, occurs in multiple species, and may be caused by a number of inciting factors. The purpose of this retrospective, multicenter study was to describe the radiographic and histopathologic characteristics of idiopathic and induced pulmonary fibrosis in a group of cats. Cats with thoracic radiographs and histopathologically confirmed pulmonary fibrosis were recruited using the American College of Veterinary Radiology list serve. A board-certified veterinary radiologist and diagnostic imaging intern reviewed radiographs and recorded characteristics by consensus. Findings from additional imaging modalities were also recorded when available. All histopathology samples were re-reviewed by a veterinary pathology resident. A total of nine cats met inclusion criteria. All patients had a broad range of radiographic characteristics that included broncho-interstitial pattern, alveolar pattern, pulmonary masses, pulmonary bullae, pleural effusion, and cardiomegaly. Cats with available echocardiographic studies had characteristics that included right ventricular dilation and hypertrophy and pulmonary arterial hypertension interpreted to be secondary to primary lung disease. Cats with available CT studies had characteristics that included focally increased soft tissue attenuation, masses, and ventral consolidation that exhibited no improvement with dorsal versus ventral recumbency. Histopathology showed pulmonary fibrosis, type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, and smooth muscle hypertrophy in all patients. Epithelial metaplasia was present only in one patient. Findings from the current study indicated that cats with pulmonary fibrosis have highly variable radiographic characteristics and that these characteristics may mimic other diseases such as asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, or neoplasia.

Color and power Doppler ultrasonography for characterization of splenic masses in dogs

Benign and malignant splenic masses can appear similar on B-mode imaging, making ultrasound sensitive but not specific in their diagnosis. Our goal was to characterize color and/or power Doppler characteristics of vasculature within and adjacent to a splenic mass, which would distinguish benign vs. malignant lesions. The hypothesis was that malignant splenic masses will have altered vascular patterns compared with benign masses. Color and power Doppler cineloops evaluating the vasculature within the mass and normal splenic parenchyma were obtained in sagittal and transverse planes using a standardized protocol. Categories of evaluation included presence of peritoneal effusion, a large aberrant or tortuous vessel within the mass, relative blood flow within the mass compared with normal parenchyma, and path of vessels in the adjacent parenchyma entering into the mass. All patients had histopathologic or definitive cytologic diagnosis. Thirty-one dogs were included. There were 13 malignant masses and 18 were benign. Peritoneal effusion was significantly associated with malignancy (P = 0.0007). Presence of an aberrant or tortuous vessel within the mass was nearly significant (P = 0.059). There was no significant difference in any of the color or power Doppler blood flow evaluations. Ultrasonographic findings of a splenic mass and peritoneal effusion may indicate malignancy. The presence of an aberrant vessel within a splenic mass could suggest malignancy; however more data are needed.

Imaging findings in dogs with caudal intervertebral disc herniation

The radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for four dogs with herniation of the Cd1-Cd2 intervertebral disc are described. All dogs were 7 years of age at the time of presentation, with one neutered male and three neutered females. Breeds included one Beagle, one Bassett hound, and two large, mixed breed dogs. All dogs had tail pain on manipulation, two had pain during defecation, and two maintained an abnormal tail position. Three dogs had radiographs in which mineralization within the disc space was apparent. Two of these dogs also had mineralization within the vertebral canal. Three dogs underwent MRI, which was characterized by varying degrees of disc herniation and nerve root compression at Cd1-Cd2. Mobility may be a factor predisposing to disc herniation in the cranial aspect of the caudal spine. We documented that caudal disc herniation does occur occasionally in dogs and that radiography and MRI may be used to identify this disease. Caudal intervertebral disc herniation should be considered as a differential for dogs with caudal vertebral pain, pain with tail manipulation, pain during defecation, or abnormal tail carriage.

Computed tomographic findings of fungal rhinitis and sinusitis in cats

The computed tomographic (CT) findings of fungal rhinitis/sinusitis in cats were characterized. The CT images of 10 cats ranging in age from 7 to 13 years were examined. The mean age was 10.8 years and all were neutered males. Nasal aspergillosis was diagnosed in five cats, cryptococcosis in three cats, hyalohyphomycosis in one cat, and trichosporonosis in one cat. Bilateral disease was present in eight cats, seven had abnormal soft tissue attenuation in two-thirds of the nasal cavity, and six had turbinate lysis. Seven cats had also lysis of the hard palate, nasal septum, or frontal bone. One cat had lysis of the cribriform plate. Five of the nine cats whose lymph nodes were imaged had lymph node enlargement. There was contrast medium enhancement in the nasal cavity in all cats, with either a primarily peripheral rim or heterogeneous pattern. There appears to be an overlap of clinical signs, age, and CT features of cats with nasal neoplasia and those with fungal rhinitis/ sinusitis.

Pulmonary ultrasonographic abnormalities associated with naturally occurring equine influenza virus infection in standardbred racehorses

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if naturally occurring acute infectious upper respiratory disease (IRD) caused by equine influenza virus is associated with ultrasonographically detectable pleural and pulmonary abnormalities in horses. Standardbred racehorses were evaluated for signs of IRD, defined as acute coughing or mucopurulent nasal discharge. For every horse with IRD (n = 16), 1 or 2 horses with no signs of IRD and the same owner or trainer (n = 30) were included. Thoracic ultrasonography was performed within 5-10 days of the onset of clinical disease in horses with IRD. Horses without IRD were examined at the same time as the horses with IRD with which they were enrolled. The rank of the ultrasound scores of horses with IRD was compared to that of horses without IRD. Equine influenza virus was identified as the primary etiologic agent associated with IRD in this study. Mild lung consolidation and peripheral pulmonary irregularities were found in 11 (69%) of 16 of the horses with IRD and 11 (37%) of 30 of control horses. Lung consolidation (median score = 1) and peripheral irregularities scores (median score = 1) were greater in horses with IRD compared to horses without IRD (median score = 0; P < .05). Pleural effusion was not observed. Equine influenza virus infection can result in abnormalities of the equine lower respiratory tract. Despite the mild nature of IRD observed in this study, lung consolidation and peripheral pulmonary irregularities were more commonly observed in horses with clinical signs of IRD. Further work is needed to determine the clinical significance of these ultrasonographic abnormalities.

Ureteral fibroepithelial polyps in four dogs

Four dogs with ureteral fibroepithelial polyps, ranging from 9-12 years of age, are presented in this report. The patients presented with urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, and/or polydypsia and pollakiuria. All dogs were intact at the time of diagnosis or for the majority of their lives and three were male. Various diagnostic procedures were performed including ultrasonography, contrast radiography, and nuclear scintigraphy. Not all procedures were performed in all patients. Findings included ureteral dilation proximal to the level of an intraluminal mass and ipsilateral hydronephrosis. Unilateral ureteronephrectomy was performed in three dogs with masses in the proximal ureter; ureteral resection and anastamosis was performed in the remaining patient with a mass located in the distal ureter. The same pathologist (RAP) reviewed all four lesions. The lesions appeared polypoid and were attached to the ureteral wall by a thin stalk. Histopathologically, they contained a superficial layer of well-differentiated transitional epithelial cells overlying a prominent fibrovascular stroma with a mild (three dogs) or marked (one dog) degree of lymphoplasmacytic inflammation. This disease may represent a benign neoplasm or a chronic inflammatory reaction and has a good prognosis with surgical removal. Its histopathological characteristics, higher incidence in males, and location more commonly within the upper third of the ureter is remarkably similar to the disease in humans.

Renal ultrasonographic and computed tomographic appearance, volume, and function of cats with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

The purpose of this study was to describe the ultrasonographic (US) and computed tomographic (CT) appearance of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in cats; to compare renal volume in cats with ADPKD (n = 5; mean age 59 +/- 10 months)) and normal cats (n = 5; mean age 66 +/- 10 months) using 2 imaging modalities, US and CT; and to calculate cyst volume using CT. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was determined by 2 methods: 99mTc-diethylene-triaminepentaacetic acid (99mTc-DPTA) scintigraphic uptake and 99-Tc-DTPA plasma clearance. Sonographically, ADPKD affected kidneys were characterized by multiple anechoic to hypoechoic, round to irregularly shaped structures with variation in size. Affected kidneys had indistinct corticomedullary junctions and foci of mineralization. Intravenous (IV) contrast medium administration allowed more definitive identification of cysts with CT, and identification of distortion of renal pelves by cysts. A significant difference (Welch ANOVA, P = 0.05) was detected between the US-estimated renal volumes of normal and affected cats. No statistically significant differences were detected in CT volume (between the normal and affected cats, or between US and CT volume measurements) or the 2 GFR methods. In this group of clinically normal, middle-aged ADPKD cats, renal function was within normal limits and not significantly different than normal.

Computed tomographic findings of dogs with cubital joint lameness

The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of abnormal computed tomography (CT) findings in dogs with lameness of one or both elbows. CT examinations of 102 elbows in 51 dogs were reviewed individually and by group consensus by 3 examiners and graded for various abnormalities. Frequently encountered abnormalities included abnormal shape and sclerosis of the medial coronoid process of the ulna, irregularity of the radial incisure of the ulna, and ulnar trochlear notch sclerosis. Other abnormalities included distinct/separate or fissure/in situ fragmentation of the medial coronoid; lucency of the radial incisure; ununited anconeal process; sclerosis, lucency, or flattening of the medial aspect of the humeral condyle; osteophyte formation; and joint incongruity. In conclusion, CT of the canine cubital joint is useful in identification of various lesions beyond simple fragmentation of the medial coronoid process of the ulna.

Non-cardiac thoracic ultrasound in 75 feline and canine patients

The purpose of this study was to describe the ultrasonographic appearance of non-cardiac diseases of the small animal thorax. Ultrasound images from a total of 75 animals (26 cats and 49 dogs) were compared to cytologic, histopathologic, and necropsy findings. Clinical diagnoses included neoplasia of the mediastinum, pleura, or lungs (43); idiopathic mediastinal cyst (3); diaphragmatic or peritoneopericardial hernia (4); lung lobe torsion (1); pulmonary eosinophilic infiltrates (1); and idiopathic, chylous, congestive heart failure, or lymphangiectasia associated pleural effusion (14). In the remaining 9 patients, a definitive diagnosis was not obtained. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirate was performed in 56 patients; 1 of these also had an ultrasound-guided tissue core biopsy. Of the fine needle aspirates, 51 (91%) were diagnostic. Ultrasound examination, particularly when accompanied by guided tissue sampling, can be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of non-cardiac intrathoracic lesions.

The elbow

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are noninvasive methods of imaging the canine cubital joint. CT images are typically acquired using contiguous 1-mm slices, a bone reconstruction algorithm, and a field of view large enough to scan both elbows simultaneously. CT provides a detailed assessment of the medial coronoid process (MCP), radial incisure, anconeal process, and trochlear notch of the ulna; the humeral condyle; joint congruity; and osteoarthrosis. With MRI, use of a surface coil and 3D Fourier transformation gradient echo fast imaging sequences allow contiguous thin slices to be obtained. Both imaging techniques appear to be highly effective in the evaluation of elbow dysplasia, particularly for the detection of MCP fragmentation, although MRI is superior to CT for identifying nonmineralized cartilaginous fragments.

Ultrasonic biparietal diameter of second trimester Pygmy goat fetuses

Four does pregnant with seven Pygmy goat fetuses were scanned transabdominally from Day 36 to Day 102 of gestation using a real-time ultrasound 5 MHz linear-array scanhead. Fetal biparietal diameter (BPD) was measured on symmetrical frozen images using internal electronic calipers. The relationship between gestational age (GA) in days and BPD in millimeters in Pygmy goat fetuses is expressed as: [GA = 23.2 + 2.08 BPD]. This equation can assign GA to Pygmy goat fetuses of unknown conception dates and allow confinement of does near kidding for induced or observed parturition. Mean kid birthweight was 2.0 + 0.45 kg SEM. These observations are consistent with relationships which have been determined for Toggenburg, Nubian and Angora goat fetuses.