Generalized subcutaneous emphysema caused by concurrent cricoid cartilage fracture and cricotracheal detachment in a German shepherd dog

A dog was presented with history of progressive generalized subcutaneous emphysema and exercise intolerance secondary to dog fight. Radiographic evaluation confirmed extensive subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum and pneumoretroperitoneum. Surgical exploration revealed cricoid cartilage longitudinal fracture and cricotracheal detachment. The fractured cartilage was sutured and the cricoid cartilage and trachea was approximated using interrupted sutures. Concurrent cricoid cartilage fracture and cricotracheal detachment has not been reported in veterinary literature, which should be considered in any case of subcutaneous emphysema secondary to extrinsic laryngeal trauma

Ultrasonography of the supramammary lymph nodes for diagnosis of bovine chronic subclinical mastitis

Currently, somatic cell count [SCC] and bacterial culture are considered as the gold standard of detecting subclinical Mastitis. Mastitis leads to proliferation of lymphocytes in the supramammary lymph nodes and subsequent enlargement of ipsilateral lymph node. Ultrasonography can be used to survey these changes. A portable ultrasound machine with a 2-5 MHz convex transducer was used to identify the supramammary lymph node size in 35 cows in a herd with chronic Staphylococcus aureus mastitis. After premilking udder preparation, a California mastitis test [CMT] was performed and individual milk samples were taken from each quarter for bacterial culture and somatic cell count [SCC] in accordance with NMC recommendations. The mean length [range 5.77-12.90 cm] and width [range 2.07-7.41 cm] of the lymph node were 9.2 and 4.03 cm, respectively. There was a positive correlation between lymph node size [length and depth] and culture of milk samples on ipsilateral quarters. Also, there was a significant difference correlation between CMT or mean log SCC of each side and size of supramammary lymph node in the same side. This study showed significant changes in supramammary lymph node dimensions in mastitis cases, so ultrasonography of this lymph node is probably a useful method for mastitis detection, especially in situations that test on milk is impossible

[Congenital persistent urachus, urethral obstruction and uroperitoneum in a calf]

Persistent patent urachus with other accompanying anomalies like urethral obstruction and uroperitonium quickly deteriorates animal conditions which necessitate prompt surgical intervention and animal salvage. A 10-day-old calf was referred to clinic with mildly distended abdomen, history of umbilical dribbling and no signs of normal urination since birth. On clinical laboratory results and ancillary tests persistent patent urachus complicated with imperforated urethra and uroabdomen was diagnosed. After abdominocentesis under ultrasonography, exploratory laparotomy was performed. Persistent urachus was removed and attempts failed to insert a catheter into urethra. Then, a Foley catheter was placed into bladder and passed through subcutaneous tissues and exited lateral to the umbilical region from skin. The calf voided via the catheter right after standing up and showed clinical improvement for the two months after-discharge follow up