case of perosomus elumbis concurrent with visceral abnormalities in a Holstein calf

Perosomus elumbis is an occasional congenital anomaly of cattle, swine, sheep, and dogs with unknown etiology. This congenital abnormality occurs in both sexes. A dead Holstein calf characterized by musculoskeletal and external genitalia abnormalities was referred to the large animal hospital of University of Tehran. Radiographic evaluation and subsequent dissection revealed that the vertebral column was truncated at the level of first lumbar vertebra [L1]. Moreover, L2-L5, sacrum and coccygeal vertebrae were absent. The dorsum of the lumbosacral region contained only soft tissues. Urogenital tract was incomplete, and it contained agenesis of the ovaries, uterine tubes, cervix, and vulva concurrent with unilateral umbilical artery agenesis. Small and large intestine contained blind-ended sacs. No testes, scrotum, and penis were found. The intact ureter was attached to a thin-walled fluid fill sac. The laboratory finding showed that the pH of the fluid was 6 and contained hemoglobin, white blood cells, bacteria, a few red blood cells, oxalate crystalline, and epithelial cells. It was concluded that the collected fluid was urine. This is the first report of perosomus elumbis in a Holstein calf having a lot of visceral abnormalities in Iran

[Ultrasonographic study on uterine involution following induction of abortion in bitch]

Based on our knowledge, there have been no ultrasonographic studies on uterine involution following induction of abortion in the bitch. To evaluate ultrasonographic features of uterine involution following induction of abortion. In a concurrent study, pregnancy was terminated in 6 bitches in the third trimester of pregnancy by ultrasound guided induced fetal death. Ultrasonographic examination of the reproductive tract was carried out after the day of complete abortion up to complete uterine involution, in which uterine dimensions were unchanged within two consecutive evaluations. Uterine shape, size, and echogenicity as well as wall layering were evaluated in ultrasonographic evaluations, and mean values were measured in both placental and interplacental regions. Ultrasonographic features revealed that, uterine wall is detected on ultrasound images having six different layers on the basis of its echogenicity. Wall layering was very explicit and distinct within the first week after abortion and lost its distinction in the course of uterine involution. On the day after abortion, placental regions measured approximately twice the size of the uterus in interplacental areas. In the first week, the mean values of the placental and interplacental thickness were 2.11 +/- 0.31cm and 1.12 +/- 0.20 cm respectively, measured in uterine horns. After the third week, the placental and interplacental regions lost their distinction and thickness. In the last two weeks, uterine horns were almost equal in dimension in every part. The time of complete involution varied amongst these 6 different bitches, being in the 6[th], 8[th], 9[th], 10[th], and 13[th] week after the induction of abortion. The findings of this study could be a basis for ultrasonographic evaluation of abnormal uterine structures and also detection of uterine involution time after abortion or parturition

Assessment of avian osteoporosis by a quantitative radiographic method

The aim of this study was to develop a quantitative radiographic method for assessment of experimental osteoporosis in Leghorn breed laying hens. Three groups of 24 Leghorn pullets were reared in cage and fed a ration containing different calcium levels, including 3.55, 2.075 and 0.6 percent [for groups 1-3, respectively]. The hens were fed this diet from 17 weeks of age to the end of the experiment. At 20, 28 and 36 weeks of age, 8 hens from each group were selected randomly. Radiographs were obtained from the tibiotarsus and the humerus of each hen. Radiographs were digitized using a camera and assessed by "Image J" software. Bone radiopacities and bone cortex/diameter [C/D] ratios were measured. The hens were sacrificed and the bone ash and calcium contents were measured. Bone densities of the birds in different groups were significantly different at just 36 weeks of age; they were greater in the tibiotarsus bone of the control group than in the tibiotarsus bone of median [P=0.02] and with the low calcium [P=0.007] groups. Humerus densities were also greater in control group compared with that of median [P=0.04] and with low calcium [P=0.0004] diet group. Cortex/diameter index of the tibiotarsus bone was different in all three stages between control and the two other groups, while there were no significant differences between the humeri C/D indices and the three groups in the first stage. Humeri C/D indices of the second and third stages had significant differences between control and the two other groups [P?0.05]. This study showed that radiographic evaluation of bone density is valuable just in progressed osteoporosis, while C/D index can be used for diagnosis of osteoprotic bones in earlier stages

[Radiographical study of osteoarthrosis in dogs]

Degenerative joint disease [DJD] is a non-inflammatory and noninfectious disorder of movable joints characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage and new bone formation around the joints. There is no comprehensive report about the prevalence of DJD in dogs in Iran. The aim of this radiographical study was to evaluate the rate of DJD and the influencing factors such as age, sex, breed and location of the joint in dogs referred to the Radiology Division of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Tehran. Atotal of 1896 canine cases were studied during a period of five years [1382-1386]. Two hundred and thirty two cases were x-rayed with each having the problem of joint disease. Radiographic evidence of DJD was found in 21.12% of the examined dogs. Degenerative joint disease of the vertebral column was diagnosed in 6.46% of all the cases. Degenerative changes of appendicular joints were found in 14.65% of the cases. The incidence of osteoarthrosis of the forelimbs was 47% among cases with DJD of appendicular joints. The rate of osteoarthrosis of hind limbs was 53%. The highest rate of DJD of appendicular joints was seen in the hip joints [38.23%]. This study demonstrated that radiographic changes of DJD were more discernible in large breed dogs [34.56%], as compared to small breeds [13.63%] [p

[Selective reduction of fetuses in the bitch using induction of fetal death by ultrasound guidance]

Unwanted pregnancy termination is a big issue for dog owners. In this study we attempted to reduce the number of fetuses in pregnant bitches through ultrasound-guided induced fetal death. The study was performed on 6 privately owned crossbred pregnant bitches, in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, with variable number of fetuses [n=2 to 8]. Fetal death was induced by transabdominal injection of potassium chloride [KCl] into the fetal cardiac chamber under ultrasonographic guidance. While selective fetal reduction was successfully achieved in 4 bitches [66.6%] 2 bitches showed complete pregnancy termination. Data presented in this research provide evidence for possible use of this technique in order to selectively reduce the number of fetuses without whole pregnancy termination in the bitch. Ultrasound-guided induced fetal death seems to be a safe procedure and a viable method for reducing the number of fetuses with no side effect in the bitch

Effects of long-term calcium deficiency on the electro-and echocardiography in laying hens

Ca is the most important minerals in the body that plays a key rols in the physiological activities, anzymatic reaction and the regulation of myocardial contraction and relaxation. Ca deficiency causes the heart failure and decrease cardiac contractility. To determine the effects of long-term dietary calcium deficiency on the heart function of layer hens based on the electro- and echocardiography. Ninety Hyline W36 hens were kept for 21 weeks and fed by rations with different amounts of calcium. At 20, 28 and 36 weeks of age, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and post-mortem left ventricular parameters were assessed. S wave amplitude was significantly [p<0.05] increased in the Ca-deficient group II [in lead II] at 36 weeks of age in compared to control. There were also elevations of the QRS wave amplitudes in 28 and 36 weeks of age at two Ca-deficient groups [leads II, III, aVR, aVL and aVF] but were only significant [p<0.05] in Ca-deficient group II [leads II and aVF] in compared to control. Left ventricular free wall diameter at end-systole were significantly [p<0.05] increased in the Ca-deficient group II at 28 and 36 weeks of age compared to the control group. Inter-ventricular septal diameters at end-systole were decreased in two Ca-deficient groups at 28 and 36 weeks [p<0.05]. Left ventricular free wall diameter at post-mortem were significantly [p<0.05] increased in two Ca-deficient groups at 36 weeks of age compared to the control group. From these results, it can be suggested that long-term dietary calcium deficiency alters in electro- and echocardiographic parameters, which could reflect pathological left ventricular hypertrophy in the laying hens

Ultrasonography study of tendons and ligaments of metacarpal region in the camel [Camelus dromedarius]

Twelve left camel forelimbs were collected, and Ultrasonography was performed at five different levels around the metacarpal region. Limbs were then cut in the transverse plane at levels corresponding to the ultrasound images. Transverse and sagittal plane images were taken at each of the five levels, keeping all ultrasound imaging factors constant. Echogenicity, diameter, width and cross sectional area of the superficial digital flexor tendon [SDFT], deep digital flexor tendon [DDFT] and suspensory ligament [SL] were evaluated. Characteristics of echogenicity and different tendon and ligament sizes were measured and discussed

Three-dimensional color Doppler ultrasonography of the kidney vasculature in normal dogs

Three-dimensional color Doppler ultrasonography is a new technique to evaluate the pattern of blood vessels. This study was performed to assess the feasibility of this method in evaluation of kidney vasculature pattern in dogs. In this paper, visualization of the Renal, Interlobar, Arcuate, and interlobular arteries and veins using 3D color Doppler ultrasonography in dogs is shown and the technique is described. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical protocol in which 3D color Doppler ultrasonography was used for kidney in veterinary practice and seems to have the potential to provide greater detail of the vascularity associated with abnormal lesion

Normal left ventricular systolic time intervals assessed by pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography in the Turkmen horse of Iran

The Turkmen horse is one of the oldest and purest breeds in the world. There is no information with regards to the normal echocardiographic parameters of this horse regarding to cardiac diseases. Pulsed-wave [PW] Doppler echocardiography was performed on 42 clinically normal 3-to 15-year-old racing Turkmen horses. There were 26 stallions and 16 mares. The left ventricular isovolumetric contraction time, pre-ejection period [PEP], and the left ventricular ejection time [LVET], were measured, and the values of the left ventricular total electromechanical systole [LVTES] and the PEP-to-LVET ratio were calculated. The most suitable window for the measurement of the aforementioned indices in PW Doppler echocardiography was the left parasternal window using the five-chamber apical view. The following values were acquired in PW Doppler echocardiography: PEP = 0.088 +/- 0.018 s; LVET = 0.445 +/- 0.031 s; LVTES - 0.533 +/- 0.032 s; and PEP-to-LVET = 0.199 +/- 0.046. These measurements can be used in the future as standard and reference values for the evaluation of cardiovascular disorders in the Turkmen horse

Ultrasonographic findings of some ocular structures in Caspian miniature horse

Ultrasonography is a relatively easy, safe and non-invasive examination method which can be used in diagnosis of ocular disorders as complementary to routine ophthalmic examinations. As there has been no collated study undertaken on the normal measurements of ocular structures in Caspian miniature horse, obtaining these measurements could be a benchmark to diagnose some of the diseases and eye problems of this miniature breed. Transpalpebral ultrasonographic scanning of left and right eyes of six Caspian horses was performed using a 10-13 MHz transducer. Qualitative ultrasonographic findings of the eyes were described and measurements of the ocular structures were obtained. Mean +/- standard deviation of the anterior-posterior length of the eye axis, thickness of the lens, depth of the anterior chamber and depth of vitreous were as 32.9 +/- 1.0, 10.8 +/- 0.8, 3.0 +/- 0.5 and 18.3 +/- 1.0 mm, respectively

[Comparative evaluation of radiography and electrocardiography for diagnosis of cardiac enlargement in dog]

To compare the obtained results of radiography and electrocardiography [ECG] for diagnosis of cardiac enlargement in dogs. Descriptive study. Twenty two different breed dogs of both sexes were suspected as having cardiac disorders based on clinical signs. Complete physical examination, CBC, evaluation of probable diseases, recording of ECG [without using of sedatives in standard condition] and taking radiographs in lateral and dorso-ventral positions of thorax were done. VHS index [Vertebral Heart Scale] was measured in all of animals based on lateral thoracic radiographs. Likelihood Ratio and Fisher's Exact test for reliability of the data with Phi Table. Seven out of 22 cases showed cardiac enlargement signs in electrocardiography. In 5 cases the disease was confirmed by radiography. Among studied parameters for diagnosis of cardiac enlargement, we have found a correlation between radiography and electrocardiography, and radiography and VHS. Meanwhile, the latter showed stronger reliability

[Retrospective study of radiography in diagnosis of diseases and disorders in equidae]

To determine the frequency of diagnosed disorders or anomalies in different organs and systems and also effects of breed, age and sex on their incidence rate.Retrospective study.32 horses, 7 donkeys and 5 mules referred to the radiology division.Data were collected from 107 equidae radiographs which had been taken in the Department of Radiology University of Tehran during 4- years [1998-2001]. Radiographs were evaluated for finding injuries and showing relation of disease with breed, sex, age and site of injuries. Information was gathered in the specific charts for determining of frequency of each condition. Diseases and disorders were fractures, exostosis, osteomylitis, osteoarthrosis, arthritis, navicular syndrome, pneumonia, pulmonary hypervascularization, soft tissue swelling, laminitis, guttural pouches disease, abscess and calcification. Fractures [18.18%] and exostosis [18.18%] had the highest frequency in horses. The most frequent disorders were diagnosed in phalangeal area of horse [31.25%]. Furthermore, the first and second most frequent bone disorders in horses were exostosis [25%] and comminuted fracture [18.75%]. Fractures and guttural pouches disease were seen with equal frequency [25%]. In mule, fractures [60%], exostosis [20%] and soft tissue swelling [20%] were diagnosed.This study showed that radiography is a valuable method for diagnosing of equidae disordered organs and systems [in relation with factors such as sex, breed, ageandsite] andalsotheirfrequency

Fibrotic myopathy of the semitendinosus muscle in a thoroughbred foal

Fibrotic myopathy of the semitendinosus muscle was diagnosed in a 9-months-old female thoroughbred foal on the left hindleg. The cranial phase of the stride was shortened than normal and the foot was suddenly pulled caudally just before contacting to the ground during walking. A non-painful firmness area was palpated over the semitendinosus muscle on the caudal surface of the left hindleg above at the level of the stifle joint. Tenotomy of the tibial insertion of the semitendinosus muscle was undergone. The foal returned to the normal exercise one month after surgery

[Potential of radiography in diagnosis of diseases and disorders in cattle]

Objective: the aim of this study was to determine the frequency of diagnosed disorders or anomalies in different organs and systems and also effects of breed, age and sex on disorders incidence rate

Design: retrospective study on cattle radiographs

Animals: a total of 74 cattle referred to the radiology division

Procedure: data were collected of 17 lcattle radiographs, which had been taken in the division of radiology during a 4-year period between 1998-2002. Radiographs were evaluated for site of injuries and relation of breed, sex and age with disorders incidence rate. The information was finally gathered in charts specified for frequency of disorders, sex, age and breed

Results: the disorders were fractures, osteomylitis, arthritis, actinomycosis, pneumonia, colon atresia,OCD and etc.The most frequent disorder was fractures [16.7%] and sites of the fractures were at lower jaw [7.1%], midshaft of radius and ulna, and digits [each 4.8%].All the colon atresia cases were detected in male calves. Frequency of disorders in immature cattle [89.4%] had a very obvious difference with matures [10.6%].Actinomycosis was more in female

Clinical implication: this study showed the potency of radiography in diagnosis of cattle diseases and disorders and also percentage of incidence probability of them in connection with factors such as sex, breed, age and site in different organs and systems of cattle