Helical computed tomographic-dacryocystography in adult pet dwarf rabbits: procedure and normal appearance

Partial or complete nasolacrimal drainage system (NLDS) occlusion is a common clinical concern in rabbits. It can be assumed that computed tomographic-dacryocystography (CTDCG) might be an efficient technique in this indication. In this prospective study, the technique of CT-DCG and the appearance of the NLDS in eight healthy rabbits on CT-DCG images are described. The quality of visualization of bony structures adjacent to the NLDS was good on pre-contrast computed tomographic images. The bony lacrimal canal had a smooth contour, a regular diameter, and its mean dimensions are provided. CT-DCG technique was easy to perform and offered a good visualization of the NLDS including anatomical narrowings and bendings. CT-DCG is a minimally invasive and informative technique for evaluating the NLDS in rabbits. Its diagnostic usefulness in exploring nasolacrimal diseases remains to be specified in this species.

Cerebral pyogranuloma associated with systemic coronavirus infection in a ferret

A 2-year-old male ferret was presented with central nervous system signs. Computed tomography (CT) of the brain revealed a well-defined contrast-enhancing lesion on the rostral forebrain that appeared extraparenchymal. Surgical excision of the mass was performed and the ferret was euthanised during the procedure. Histopathology of the excised mass showed multiple meningeal nodular lesions with infiltrates of epithelioid macrophages, occasionally centred on degenerated neutrophils and surrounded by a broad rim of plasma cells, features consistent with pyogranulomatous meningitis. The histopathological features in this ferret were similar to those in cats with feline infectious peritonitis. Definitive diagnosis was assessed by immunohistochemistry, confirming a ferret systemic coronavirus (FSCV) associated disease. This is the first case of coronavirus granuloma described on CT-scan in the central nervous system of a ferret.

Correlations between mean echogenicity and material properties of normal and diseased equine superficial digital flexor tendons: an in vitro segmental approach

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that tendon echogenicity is associated with the material properties of the corresponding tendon site, especially in case of lesions, due to local changes in tendon matrix composition. Four normal and nine spontaneously injured equine superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFT) were isolated then ultrasonographically examined under tension, in a special device placed in a water bath. Ultrasonographic transversal images (7.5MHz linear transducer) of five segments along each tendon were digitized, and analyzed in order to measure the mean cross-sectional area (MCSA) and mean echogenicity (ME) of each segment. The tendons were then tested in traction until rupture in a testing machine. For each segment, stress and strain were determined throughout the test, and the elastic modulus (EM) was evaluated. The tendon lesions were also documented by histology. No correlation was found between ME and the material properties of normal tendon segments. At the rupture sites of the nine diseased tendons, ME was positively correlated with maximal stress and EM, whereas no correlation was demonstrated with maximal strain. Besides, a positive correlation was demonstrated between ME and both MCSA and EM, when the three metacarpal segments of the diseased tendons were considered. Although ME gives only rough information about tendon matrix structure, it does show, under these in vitro conditions, significant correlations with material properties of pathological tendon segments, which may improve the functional significance and therefore the prognostic value of the ultrasonographic examination of tendon lesions.

Passive liver congestion associated with caudal vena caval compression due to oesophageal leiomyoma

A large caudodorsal mediastinal mass was identified in a dog which had been presented for vomiting and anorexia. A few weeks later, the dog developed ascites and hindlimb oedema. Radiography showed that the caudodorsal mediastinal mass was compressing the caudal vena cava, probably inducing passive congestion of the liver. At postmortem examination, the mass was diagnosed as a large oesophageal leiomyoma. To the authors' knowledge, an oesophageal tumour leading to compression of the caudal vena cava associated with passive congestion of the liver has not been described previously in dogs. Secondary signs relating to the oesophageal mass appeared to be more prominent than the digestive signs. Causes of passive congestion of the liver and the differential diagnoses for a caudodorsal mediastinal mass are discussed.

Emphysematous pyometra in a dog

An 8-year-old intact female West Highland White Terrier was examined for anorexia, vomiting, abdominal distension, and mild purulent vulvar discharge. The results of physical examination, laboratory testing, and radiography are presented. Emphysematous pyometra was suspected and confirmed at surgery. Clostridium perfringens was isolated from the uterine lumen. A brief discussion of emphysematous pyometra is presented.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the prostate in healthy intact dogs

Sagittal and transverse ultrasonographic images of the prostate gland were obtained in 100 healthy adult intact male dogs. Prostatic length, width, and height on transverse and sagittal images as well as the presence of prostatic cysts were determined. Linear regression and correlation analysis were performed between prostatic parameters (length, width, height on sagittal and transverse images, and estimated volume) and parameters related to body size (body weight, body height, left kidney length and aortic diameter) and age of the dogs. Significant positive correlations were found between all prostatic parameters and parameters related to body size and age. Maximum predicted values for prostatic parameters for a given body weight and age were determined based on the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval of the mean predicted values. Such values should represent a useful tool for ultrasonographic evaluation of the prostate in the dog. Prostatic cysts were found in 14% of the dogs.