Contrast enhanced computed tomography assessment of superficial inguinal lymph node metastasis in canine mammary gland tumors

Mammary gland neoplasms are predominant in dogs. However, sentinel lymph node (SLN) status assessment criteria have not been established for these cases. In this retrospective, secondary analysis, diagnostic case control study, CT images of 65 superficial inguinal SLNs were obtained before and 1, 3, 5, and 10 min after intravenous administration of contrast agent (iopamidol 370 mgI/mL). The presence and degree of postcontrast enhancement were assessed, by means of the median absolute density value and the maximum absolute density value at any time point in the center and in the periphery of each SLN measured in Hounsfield units (HU), before and after contrast agent administration. These values were compared with histopathological findings postsurgical excision. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted. The absolute density values ranged widely at each time point and within each group of nodes (negative, positive, control group). At all time points, the median density value in the center and in the periphery was significantly higher in metastatic than in non-metastatic SLNs (P ≤ .014). Among the parameters tested, the median absolute density value measured in the periphery of the SLN 3 min after injection showed the highest sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (AUC) (87.5%, 82.1%, and 92.1% respectively), with a cutoff value of 50.9 HU. The maximum absolute density value at any time point in the center and periphery of the SLNs was also significantly higher in metastatic SLNs compared to non-metastatic (P ≤ .001). With a cutoff value of 59.5 HU, the maximum absolute density value in the periphery of the SLN displayed high sensitivity and specificity (87.5% and 89.3%, respectively). The results of this study support the hypothesis that contrast enhanced CT imaging may aid in the assessment of SLN metastasis in dogs with mammary gland neoplasms.

Bilothorax Associated with Bile Peritonitis in a Dog with No Diaphragmatic Disruption: A Case Report

A 4-year-old intact male mixed-breed dog was presented with vomiting and severe depression of 6-day duration after being struck by a car 2 weeks before presentation. Clinical examination revealed hypothermia, respiratory difficulty, jaundice, and a bicavitary (pleural and peritoneal) effusion. Hematological and biochemical abnormalities included neutrophilic leukocytosis, increased total bilirubin concentration, and increased serum lipase activity. Biochemical and cytological evaluation of both abdominal and thoracic fluids were suggestive of bilious effusions. During celiotomy, a rupture of the cystic duct was observed, which necessitated cholecystectomy. A diaphragmatic rupture was not found. A thoracostomy tube was inserted in the right pleural space, and continuous suction was maintained for 48 hours. The dog was discharged 20 days after surgery and no abnormalities were detected on either blood tests or ultrasonographic examinations of the thorax and abdomen on follow-up examination 7 months after surgery. The presence of a bilothorax should be considered in animals with bile peritonitis, grossly intact diaphragm and pleural effusion. The exact mechanisms of the development of bilothorax are unclear, but the transport of bile through microscopic congenital or acquired weaknesses or defects of the diaphragm, via abdominal lymphatics penetrating the diaphragm and draining into the thoracic lymphatics represent the most probable route.

Validation of fluorescence polarization assay (FPA) and comparison with other tests used for diagnosis of infection in sheep

Fluorescence polarization assay (FPA) is a new test for the serological diagnosis of Brucella spp. infection in animals. The FPA is validated for the diagnosis of B. melitensis infection in sheep. For this purpose, 166 sera originated from natural infected sheep (verified by culture) and 851 sera originated from healthy animals (reared in areas where B. melitensis was never been isolated) were tested. The optimum cut-off value that offers the highest diagnostic sensitivity (DSn) and diagnostic specificity (DSp) was determined at 87mP with the use of ROC analysis. The DSn and DSp of FPA using this cut-off value are calculated at 97.6 and 98.9% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 93.9-99.3% and 98.0-99.5%, respectively. The DSn and DSp of FPA have been assessed also using as positive reference (n=587), sera that gave positive results at least in two tests used for diagnosis of B. melitensis in sheep as Rose Bengal Test (RBT), modified Rose Bengal Test (m-RBT), complement fixation test (CFT), indirect Elisa (i-Elisa) and competition Elisa (c-Elisa) originated from animals reared in flocks infected by B. melitensis. The optimum cut-off value using the above panel of positive reference sera was the same offering a DSn of 95.9% with a 95% CI, 94.0-97.4%, since the DSp remains the same. The DSn and DSp as well as performance, accuracy and agreement of FPA's result were compared with those of other tests used. The accuracy of FPA is very high, similar with that of i-Elisa. FPA is a promising assay, which offers a DSn and accuracy better that of those of the tests currently approved for the diagnosis of B. melitensis in sheep and goats. Due to its simplicity, the sort time that results can be obtained and its accuracy it can be used and improve the laboratory testing capacity as well as the efficacy of the eradication program based on test-and-slaughter policy.

Liver injury after ischemia and reperfusion: the role of oxygen free radicals

OBJECTIVE

This article describes conditions of ischemia and reperfusion in dog's liver. The aim of the study was to observe hepatic injury from oxygen free radicals and to evaluate mannitol and ascorbic acid as scavengers.

METHODS

The criteria for evaluation were histopathological and biochemical. Twenty-one dogs were divided into three equal groups: group A with 90 minutes of ischemia and 10 minutes of reperfusion, and groups B and C with 120 minutes of ischemia and 10 minutes of reperfusion. In treatment group C, before the ischemia, mannitol and ascorbic acid were injected.

RESULTS

Differences were significant for malondialdehyde in A and B group postischemia (p < 0.001). In group C, a significant difference (p < 0.091) was not observed. The histopathological examination revealed fatty degeneration, alterations of mitochondrial structure, and membranic cysts. In group C, the alterations were considerably milder.

CONCLUSIONS

We can suggest the use of ascorbic acid and mannitol at the clinical level for scavenging and inhibition of oxygen free radicals in ischemic liver.

The "effects" of Rev-1 vaccination of sheep and goats on human brucellosis in Greece

Vaccination of young animals (3-6-month-old sheep and goats) with Rev-1 vaccine for 15 years in Greece, importantly decreased the abortions in sheep and goats as well as the incidence of brucellosis in humans. After the stop of vaccination in 1994, all over Greece, the prevalence of brucellosis in animals and the incidence in humans quickly increased. It was a positive rank correlation (0.90) among these variables. Once an emergency mass-vaccination programme of young and adult animals with Rev-1 vaccine was started in 1998, the human incidence again decreased. The association of the vaccination coverage of animals and incidence of brucellosis in humans was not linear; the decrease in human brucellosis incidence was observed when the vaccination coverage of animals was >30%.