Factors associated with septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in beef cattle: A case-control study.

Lameness in cattle is a welfare concern and is associated with important economic losses in beef cattle operations. Infection of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ) results in severe lameness and if left untreated carries a poor prognosis. Diagnosis of DIJ infection is challenging in the field. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with septic arthritis of the DIJ in beef cattle. Thirty-nine beef cattle with a complaint of single-foot lameness were used in this study. History and lameness examination data were recorded and analyzed. Radiographic changes and cytology of synovial fluid of the affected DIJ were used to define the presence (cases) or absence (controls) of DIJ infection. Asymmetric swelling at the coronary band of the affected foot and a lameness score of ≥4/5 significantly increased the odds (odds ratio [OR]=63.2 and OR=120, respectively) of diagnosis of septic arthritis of the DIJ in beef cattle with a single-foot lameness compared to cattle with no asymmetry of the coronary band or lameness scores <3. Routine lameness examination findings could be used in the field to rapidly recognize infection of the DIJ in lame beef cattle.

Risk factors for coughing in dogs with naturally acquired myxomatous mitral valve disease.

BACKGROUND: Cough often is reported as the primary clinical sign of congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs with chronic degenerative myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Concurrent airway disease and compression of the left mainstem bronchus by a large left atrium also have been proposed as potential causes of coughing in these patients. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between the presence of coughing and different potential causes of cough, including CHF, abnormal radiographic airway pattern, and cardiomegaly in dogs affected by naturally acquired MMVD. ANIMALS: Two hundred six client-owned dogs. METHODS: Retrospective analysis performed on medical records of dogs affected by MMVD that underwent full cardiac evaluation, including echocardiographic examination and thoracic radiography. RESULTS: Univariate analyses showed that CHF is not a predictor of coughing (OR = 1.369; 0.723, 2.594), whereas abnormal radiographic airway pattern (OR = 3.650; 2.051, 6.496) and increased left atrial size observed radiographically (OR = 3.637; 1.904, 6.950) or echocardiographically (OR = 2.553; 1.436, 4.539) were significantly associated with coughing in dogs with MMVD. The same risk factors were significant in multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study indicates that CHF is not significantly associated with coughing in dogs with MMVD. Instead, abnormal radiographic airway pattern and left atrial enlargement are associated with coughing in these patients. This important finding should be taken into account when considering diagnosis and clinical management of CHF in these dogs.

A multi-institutional study evaluating the diagnostic utility of the spec cPL™ and SNAP® cPL™ in clinical acute pancreatitis in 84 dogs.

BACKGROUND: Pancreas-specific lipase is reported to aid in diagnosing acute pancreatitis (AP) in dogs but has not been rigorously evaluated clinically. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe variability of disease in dogs with suspected clinical AP, and to evaluate accuracy of 2 pancreatic-specific lipase immunoassays, Spec cPL (SPEC) and SNAP cPL (SNAP), in diagnosing clinical AP. We hypothesized that SPEC and SNAP provide better diagnostic accuracy than serum amylase or total lipase. ANIMALS: A total of 84 dogs; 27 without AP and 57 with clinical signs associated with AP. METHODS: Multicenter study. Dogs were prospectively enrolled based upon initial history and physical examination, then retrospectively classified into groups according to the likelihood of having clinical AP by a consensus of experts blinded to SPEC and SNAP results. Bayesian latent class analyses were used to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of SPEC and SNAP. RESULTS: The estimates for test sensitivities and specificities, respectively, ranged between 91.5-94.1% and 71.1-77.5% for SNAP, 86.5-93.6% and 66.3-77.0% for SPEC (cutoff value of 200 µg/L), 71.7-77.8% and 80.5-88.0% for SPEC (cutoff value of 400 µg/L), and were 52.4-56.0% and 76.7-80.6% for amylase, and 43.4-53.6% and 89.3-92.5% for lipase. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: SNAP and SPEC have higher sensitivity for diagnosing clinical AP than does measurement of serum amylase or lipase activity. A positive SPEC or SNAP has a good positive predictive value (PPV) in populations likely to have AP and a good negative predictive value (NPV) when there is low prevalence of disease.

Comparison of radiographic arthritic changes associated with two variations of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.

Osteoarthritis (OA) progresses in the canine cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficient stifle. Progression of OA is also documented in canine patients after various surgical repair techniques for this injury. We evaluated the radiographic arthritic changes in canine stifle joints that have sustained a CCL injury, and compared radiographic OA scores between Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)surgery patients receiving a medial parapatellar exploratory arthrotomy for CCL remnant removal versus those receiving a limited caudal medial arthrotomy without removal of the CCL remnants. Medial/lateral and caudal/cranial stifle radiographs were obtained before surgery, immediately following TPLO surgery and at 7-38 months (mean 20.5) after surgery. Sixty-eight patients (72 stifles) were included in the study. The cases were divided into two groups. The patients in group 1 (n = 49 patients, 51 stifles) had a limited caudal medial arthrotomy, and patients in group 2 (n = 19 patients, 21 stifles) had a medial parapatellar open arthrotomy. A previously described radiographic osteoarthritis scoring system was used to quantify changes in both of the groups. The age, weight, OA scores, initial tibial plateau angle, final tibial plateau angle, and the change in angle were compared between the groups. The results showed that there was significantly less progression of OA in the group that had the limited caudal medial, arthrotomy, versus a medial parapatellar open arthrotomy. There was a significant advancement of the OA scores of patients that had TPLO surgery.

Radiographic findings of canine dysautonomia in twenty-four dogs.

Canine dysautonomia is an idiopathic condition resulting in loss of autonomic nervous system function. Recently, the prevalence of dogs diagnosed with dysautonomia in the mid-western United States has increased. In this study the medical records and radiographic findings in 24 dogs with dysautonomia were reviewed. A diagnosis of dysautonomia was made in 17 (71%) of the dogs in this study by postmortem examination, the remaining 7 (29%) dogs were diagnosed pharmacologically. The radiographic findings supportive of dysautonomia include aspiration pneumonia, megaesophagus, or a distended stomach, small bowel, or urinary bladder. In some instances, the disease radiographically mimicked other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, including mechanical obstruction.

Pancreatitis in a cat demonstrating pancreatic duct dilatation ultrasonographically.

A 17-year-old, castrated male domestic shorthair cat presented with nonspecific clinical findings of three days' duration. Complete blood counts and serum biochemistry profiles revealed evidence of hepatic dysfunction. Ultrasonographic evaluation revealed abnormalities consistent with pancreatitis, with suspected pancreatic duct dilatation in the left limb of the pancreas. Surgery and eventual necropsy confirmed a diagnosis of pancreatitis, along with pancreatic duct dilatation. Dilatation of the pancreatic duct may be another ultrasonographic change to look for when suspecting feline pancreatitis.

Case examples demonstrating the clinical utility of obtaining both right and left lateral abdominal radiographs in small animals.

Seven case examples are presented which illustrate the utility of using both right to left and left to right laterolateral abdominal radiographs (left lateral and right lateral recumbent radiographs, respectively) when evaluating gastrointestinal disease. These cases demonstrate the benefits of obtaining both lateral abdominal radiographs in disease of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. A review of the literature concerning this technique is provided.

Compression radiography: an old technique revisited.

Five case examples are provided to illustrate the use of compression radiography in the dog and cat. Abdominal compression radiography provides for evaluation of the size, shape, location, and opacity of a specific area without the degree of superimposition encountered with survey radiographs. The following cases illustrate compression techniques of the intestinal tract, uterus, kidney, bladder, and spleen. A review of the technique as well as a discussion of the advantages and limitations are presented.

Hyperadrenocorticism treated with metyrapone followed by bilateral adrenalectomy in a cat.

A 6-year-old spayed female cat was evaluated for uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and poor hair coat. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included high serum activity of liver enzymes, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, glucosuria, and an exaggerated response to ACTH stimulation. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed large adrenal glands. Hyperadrenocorticism was diagnosed. Treatment for a facial abscess was instituted along with administration of metyrapone for hyperadrenocorticism. After stabilization, bilateral adrenalectomy was performed. The cat recovered without complications and has remained clinically normal for 5 months with treatment of desoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisone. Treatment with metyrapone appeared to stabilize the cat metabolically and clinically prior to surgery.

Use of abdominal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism in a cat.

A 13-year-old castrated male cat was examined because of a 2-week history of weakness, cervical ventroflexion, and dysphagia. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included hypokalemia and high serum creatine kinase activity. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a 15-mm spherical mass in the area of the left adrenal gland. Plasma aldosterone concentration was high, and plasma renin activity was low. Findings were diagnostic of primary hyperaldosteronism. The cat responded well to intravenous and oral potassium supplementation while in the hospital. The owner declined surgery; therefore, repeated follow-up abdominal ultrasonography was recommended. The cat did well clinically with medical management alone until day 334, when it was lost to follow-up.

Ultrasonographic measurement of gastrointestinal wall thickness and the ultrasonographic appearance of the ileocolic region in healthy cats.

Ultrasound evaluation was performed on 11 healthy cats to determine wall thickness measurements for the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon and to characterize the appearance of the ileocolic region. The terminal ileum had a characteristic "wagon wheel" appearance on cross-sectional images. Gastrointestinal wall thickness measurements were as follows: gastric fundus (mean, 2.0 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7 to 2.2 mm), pylorus (mean, 2.1 mm; 95% CI, 1.9 to 2.4 mm), duodenum (mean, 2.2 mm; 95% CI, 2.0 to 2.4 mm), jejunum (mean, 2.3 mm; 95% CI, 2.1 to 2.5 mm), ileum (mean, 2.8 mm; 95% CI, 2.5 to 3.2 mm), and colon (mean, 1.5 mm; 95% CI, 1.4 to 1.7 mm).

Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal feline abdomen: an anatomic reference.

Magnetic resonance images of two adult domestic short-haired cats were obtained with a whole body scanner. Images of the abdomen were compared with cross-sectional anatomy cadaver specimens from the same two cats. Anatomic structures were first identified on the cadaver specimens with the aid of anatomy texts and references and were then identified and labeled on the magnetic resonance images. Results from this project provide an atlas of normal cross-sectional MRI anatomy of the feline abdomen.

Perinephric pseudocysts in the cat: a retrospective study and review of the literature.

Perinephric pseudocysts (PNPs) are fluid-filled fibrous sacs that surround the kidney and are not lined by an epithelium. In cats, PNPs are idiopathic, but they usually occur in association with chronic renal failure (CRF). Thirteen cats with PNPs were examined. PNPs occurred in mixed breed cats of either sex with a median age of 16 years. The PNP was palpable on physical examination and usually was interpreted as renomegaly. Clinicopathologic findings reflected CRF, and urinary tract infection was common. Rarely, a primary renal disease was diagnosed concurrent with PNPs and CRF. Diagnosis of PNPs was made by ultrasound examination and fine-needle aspiration, and treatment was by surgical removal of the PNP or ultrasound-guided drainage. Compared to previous reports of PNPs, this series of cats tended to be older and no sex predilection was found, but other findings were similar to those in the literature. Cats with PNPs may have a favorable prognosis if CRF is not severe and no other concurrent diseases are present.

Normal cross-sectional anatomy of the feline thorax and abdomen: comparison of computed tomography and cadaver anatomy.

Computed tomographic images of two adult domestic short-haired cats were obtained with a whole body scanner. Images of the thorax and abdomen were compared with cross-sectional anatomy cadaver specimens from the same two cats. Anatomic structures were first identified on the cadaver specimens with the aid of numerous anatomy texts and references and were then identified and labeled on the computed tomographic images. Results from this project provide an atlas of normal cross-sectional gross and CT anatomy of the feline thorax and abdomen that can be used in the interpretation of any cross-sectional imaging modality.

Management of nasal aspergillosis in a dog with a single, noninvasive intranasal infusion of clotrimazole.

An 11-year-old, spayed female keeshond was presented for unilateral epistaxis and serous nasal discharge of four weeks duration. Initial nasal radiographs, rhinoscopy, and histopathology suggested severe, destructive lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis. The patient deteriorated while receiving an anti-inflammatory dose of prednisone. A computed tomographic scan of the nose demonstrated a soft-tissue density in both the right nasal cavity and frontal sinus. Samples for histopathology obtained at surgery were diagnostic for nasal aspergillosis. All clinical signs resolved with a single, noninvasive infusion of intranasal clotrimazole and a four-week course of oral itraconazole.

Resolution of a pancreatic pseudocyst in a dog following percutaneous ultrasonographic-guided drainage.

A six-year-old, spayed female Shetland sheepdog was presented with acute onset of anorexia and vomiting. An inflammatory leukogram and elevated serum amylase, lipase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transferase, and triglycerides supported a diagnosis of severe acute pancreatitis. An enlarged, hypoechoic pancreas was visualized on abdominal ultrasonography. The patient clinically responded to medical therapy consisting of nothing per os, total parenteral nutrition, and supportive care. She presented again three weeks later with anorexia and vomiting. A large, anechoic mass was seen in the left limb of the pancreas on ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen. Differentials for this mass included abscess, focal peritonitis, and pancreatic pseudocyst. Clinical signs resolved with supportive care. The mass failed to resolve. Sterile fluid (35 ml) was removed via ultrasonographic-guided centesis 42 days after initial presentation. Ultrasonographic appearance, biochemical analyses, and fluid examination with negative cultures suggested pancreatic pseudocyst. The pseudocyst gradually resolved over the next seven months postcentesis.

Dental imaging.

Radiography continues to be the initial test of choice in equine dental imaging for reasons of availability and ability to detect bone and tooth changes. Contrast radiography may be useful to characterize dental involvement in cases with draining tracts. For radiographically occult lesions, other modalities are useful. CT is better than plain radiography due to the inherent avoidance of superimposition of the opposite dental arcade, excellent bone density characterization, and good spatial resolution. Nuclear medicine may be useful to verify bone involvement in the dental region in cases in which the signs are particularly vague or not readily localized. Ultrasonography is an excellent test for soft tissue characterization and may assist with the characterization of suspected bone lysis, pathologic fractures, and abscesses.