Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound最新文献

Habitat loss, road trauma, predation, disease, and natural disasters impact the health and survival of the family Macropodidae, including kangaroos. Cardiac disease has been reported, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), nutritional myodegeneration, valvular pathology, cardiovascular parasites, toxoplasmosis, and toxicities. Human research has evaluated macropod pericardium and aortic valves as possible bioprostheses. The goals of this prospective anatomic study were to echocardiographically evaluate opportunistically presented kangaroos: 14 clinically normal eastern grey kangaroos (EGK-Macropus giganteus), two sick EGKs, and one sick red kangaroo (RK, Osphranter rufus). Similar techniques as described in the dog were used. Standard B-mode images, M-mode mensuration, and Doppler measurements were attained; values were descriptively compared with published normal values. The clinically normal animals' M-mode values were similar to the closest weight-related kangaroo values. Most of the animals showed thicker-than-expected left ventricular and interventricular septal walls, and relative wall thickness (RWT) of 0.5 and 0.6; this may be the norm for macropods, but since an RWT>0.45 may indicate human HCM, this should be considered in the kangaroo. The sick animals were euthanized. Necropsy revealed highly suspect HCM in one EGK, and myxomatous mitral valve degeneration with suspect DCM in the other EGK and RK. In conclusion, there are weight-related similarities between previously published kangaroo values. More work is required on a larger number of weight and age cohorts of kangaroos. Subclinical HCM may be present in apparently normal animals. Findings can be used during clinical health assessments and for further research into macropod cardiac conditions.

Ultrasonography in veterinary medicine serves a vital role in the diagnosis and management of various medical conditions by allowing noninvasive visualization of internal structures. Veterinary students face many challenges in gaining hands-on experience with ultrasound equipment and developing competencies in ultrasonography. This is largely due to the limited access and ethical dilemmas of live animal models and the high cost of commercial phantoms. To solve these issues, the niche of cost-effective amateur models has exponentially increased. However, while these at-home models solve the financial issues associated with commercial phantoms, they still lack the realism and fidelity necessary to simulate the real-time feedback needed to gain the spatial awareness of this dynamic imaging modality. To foster successful day-one-ready veterinary students, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine acknowledged that a better solution should be possible. A prospective anatomic study was performed to recognize the imaging anatomy and usability of a new model termed the Danny Phantom. This model was developed by testing various amateur phantom materials from both the literature and self-discovered. These materials were analyzed and deemed satisfactory versus unsatisfactory based on fulfillment of predetermined criteria of an ideal phantom model. It was determined that real fixed organs can be encased in traditional bovine gelatin to produce an ultrasound phantom with recognizable parenchyma. Other additives can be included to give the phantom an imitated peritoneal space and prevent spoilage of the gelatin for an extended period of time.

A 3-year-old Dalmatian was presented with anorexia, vomiting, and lethargy that progressed to neurological signs with a mixed hepatopathy. MRI identified bilaterally symmetric, ill-defined hyperintensities in the thalamus, medial and lateral geniculate bodies, and red nuclei on T2-weighted (T2W) and transverse T2W fluid-attenuation inversion-recovery (T2-FLAIR) images, and bilaterally symmetric, ill-defined T1-hyperintensities in the lentiform nuclei and thalamus suggestive of an underlying metabolic dysfunction. Systemic workup revealed an underlying hepatopathy. A hepatic biopsy revealed severe copper-associated hepatitis with a digital copper quantification of 3052 µg/g dry weight. Clinical signs and MRI changes both improved following chelation therapy. The MRI findings and hepatic biopsy results led to a diagnosis of copper storage hepatopathy, consistent with Wilson's disease. This is the first description of brain MRI findings secondary to Wilson's disease in dogs.

A 9-year-old female spayed boxer presented for a dorsal cranial mass. Cytology diagnosed a sarcoma. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the head revealed a symmetrical, soft tissue attenuating mass with subtle mineralization and a contrast-enhancing capsule at the dorsal calvarium. There was adjacent frontal bone lysis and contrast enhancement of the parietal lobe. This supported a sarcoma of bone or cartilage origin. Postmortem examination additionally revealed a pulmonary tumor embolus. A final diagnosis of grade III multilobular osteochondrosarcoma (MLO) was made. This is the first study describing a poorly mineralized, encapsulated MLO in a dog and supports a periosteal origin.

Feline nasopharyngeal stenosis (NPS), characterized by narrowing of the nasopharyngeal passage, results in chronic stertor and increased inspiratory effort. While rhinoscopy is the definitive diagnostic modality for NPS, the utility of nasopharyngeal radiography in diagnosis remains under-documented. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and describe the characteristic radiographic findings in cats with NPS by comparing radiographic findings in cats with stertor but without stenosis. This is a multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study. Fifty-two cats with stertor who underwent both rhinoscopy and lateral nasopharyngeal radiography were included. They were divided into two groups: those with NPS (n = 21) and those with stertor without stenosis (ND group, n = 31). Radiographs were reviewed by two board-certified radiologists to determine the presence, location, and morphology (broad or membranous) of NPS, as well as the morphology of the soft palate and the presence of oropharyngeal gas. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated a high diagnostic accuracy for NPS with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 83.9%, and overall accuracy of 90.4%. The radiographic morphology of the NPS was broad in 18 cats and membranous in 3 cats. A "bent" soft palate was observed only in the NPS group (19%, n = 4). The presence of oropharyngeal gas was similar in both groups (57.1 vs. 58.1%). However, because radiographic diagnoses were made by consensus between two radiologists, the reported accuracy may be overestimated. Given its high sensitivity, nasopharyngeal radiography serves as an effective initial screening tool for NPS, likely streamlining the diagnostic pathway in cats with stertor.

In this retrospective multicenter study, we aimed to establish the renal cortical thickness-aortic diameter (RCT:Ao) ratio as a diagnostic parameter for detecting feline acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease (AKI or CKD). This study included bilateral kidneys of 152 normal, 171 CKD, 19 AKI, and 15 acute-on-chronic kidney disease (ACKD) cats. Ultrasonographic measurements were obtained in the midsagittal plane of the kidneys and aorta. Multiple linear regression analysis of RCT, body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) revealed a positive correlation of RCT with BW (p < 0.001), but not with BCS (p = 0.343). Multiple linear regression analysis of RCT:Ao ratio, BW, and BCS showed a poor model fit (F value: 0.119). There were significant intergroup differences among the normal, CKD, AKI, and ACKD sub-cohorts (p < 0.001). Compared to normal cats, CKD and AKI cats each had lower and higher RCT:Ao ratio (both p < 0.001), respectively. The RCT:Ao ratio of the ACKD group significantly differed from that in normal and CKD groups (both p < 0.001), but not the AKI group (p = 0.159). Optimal RCT:Ao ratio cutoffs of 1.15 and 1.45 were used to distinguish between the normal and CKD groups (75% sensitivity, 80% specificity) and the normal and AKI groups (90% sensitivity, 89% specificity), respectively. The RCT:Ao ratio was unaffected by the BW and BCS and is a clinically useful diagnostic parameter for feline kidney disease.

The assessment of the urogenital tract is of great importance in the diagnosis of diseases in lizards, and sonographic examination is the most suitable imaging method for this purpose. However, reference data are not available for most of the commonly kept species. The objective of this prospective anatomical analytical study was to sonographically examine the urogenital tract of four of the most commonly kept lizard species and compare their kidneys, testes, and ovaries. A total of 41 lizards, 14 bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), 15 leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius), seven veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus), and five panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) were included. An 8-18 MHz field hockey stick transducer and a 6-15 MHz linear transducer were used. Sagittal and transverse images of the organs were recorded. The kidneys could be visualized and assessed in full length in all lizards, the testes in 18 of 19, and the ovaries in 13 of 22 lizards. The results of the current study could serve as reference values for future studies on the species mentioned.

Musculoskeletal ultrasonography is an underutilized skill within the veterinary industry. It requires practice and repetition to improve confidence and competence. In a clinic, ultrasonography is often used to identify grass seeds in patients; however, its teaching within the veterinary curriculum is limited. This study investigated the use of simulation models using two different teaching methods to improve undergraduate student outcomes in identifying vegetal foreign bodies (VFB). Forelimb models, containing wild oaten grass seeds (Avena fatua) in one of three locations, were used as ultrasonographic teaching aids. Fourth-year undergraduate veterinary science students (n = 38) were randomly assigned a limb and taught an ultrasound protocol. The trial group (n = 19) received video instructions with a demonstration, whilst the control group (n = 19) received written instructions only. All participants completed a pre- and post- participation survey and were anonymously assessed on their ability to locate the grass seed. Participants provided with both the video and written instructions (trial group) were 1.92 times more likely to identify the VFB within the simulation model when compared with the control group, with 53% identifying the VFB (p = .0327). All students agreed they would consider using ultrasonography in the future to identify canine VFBs. The outcomes of this study suggest that the use of simulation models in teaching is beneficial and that visual and verbal communication significantly improved students' ability to identify VFB compared with written instruction alone in a consequence-free learning environment.

Contrast-enhanced videofluoroscopic swallow studies are considered the gold standard diagnostic for determining underlying etiologies of dysphagia. Swallow studies are commonly performed procedures utilizing fluoroscopy in which personnel are exposed to ionizing radiation. The study objective was to document radiation exposure to individual personnel involved in performing gastrointestinal swallow studies in dogs and cats, compare radiation exposure based on the localization of disease, and evaluate radiation exposure based on the experience (i.e., year of training) of the diagnostic imaging resident. This prospective observational study population was comprised of 61 client-owned animals, 58 dogs and 3 cats, presenting to a university teaching hospital over 8 months. Dose was evaluated for positions/roles: position 1 (personnel feeding/at patient head), position 2/3 (restraining), and position 4 (image acquisition). Patient characteristics, diagnosis(es), fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, and personnel positions were recorded. A linear mixed effects model was utilized for statistical analysis. Radiation dose based on anatomic disease location (e.g., cricopharyngeal, esophageal, gastroesophageal, none) was not statistically significant (p = .438). Th effect of personnel position (p < .001) and fluoroscopy time (p = .005) was statistically significant. The lowest median radiation dose was for personnel acquiring images (position 4), estimated at 16.38 µSv. The highest median radiation dose was for personnel feeding patients (position 1), estimated at 48.13 µSv. Unsurprisingly, personnel positioned closer to the radiation source during contrast-enhanced videofluoroscopic swallow studies were exposed to higher radiation doses. Personnel should be aware of this occupational hazard. Rotation of personnel roles (e.g., feeding, restraining, image acquisition) should be considered to limit dose to specific personnel.

In recent years, diagnostic imaging of lymph nodes has gained increasing attention, though studies on the feline species remain limited. Feline ischiatic lymph nodes are located dorsally to the ischiatic tuberosity, deep to the gluteofemoralis muscle, and medial to the caudal gluteal vein. This retrospective, multicenter anatomical study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of ischiatic lymph nodes in cats undergoing CT. The study included images of 250 cats that underwent pre- and postcontrast total-body CT between January 2020 and January 2024. Ischiatic lymph nodes were visualized in 160 patients: 84 showed bilateral presence, 32 only on the right side, and 44 only on the left side, for a total of 242 visualized lymph nodes. The size (width, height, and length) was measured, and descriptions were provided based on shape, uptake homogeneity, and grade of enhancement. Among the 160 cats, 14 presented with neoplastic (n = 11) or inflammatory (n = 3) conditions affecting the drainage area, and 2 with multicentric lymphoma. Notably, the size of the ischiatic lymph nodes in these cases did not differ from the population average. The evaluation of the ischiatic lymph nodes in cats is feasible using CT. Factors such as the amount of peripheral adipose tissue could subjectively enhance lymph node visualization. Tomographic identification of ischiatic lymph nodes is important for anatomical recognition of peri-ischiatic nodal structures in feline patients. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential role of these lymph nodes in the spread of neoplastic or inflammatory disease in this region.