Radiographic evaluation of positional atelectasis in sedated dogs breathing room air versus 100% oxygen.

This study documents the degree of positional atelectasis in sedated dogs receiving 100% oxygen (O(2)) versus room air. Initial lateral recumbency was determined by an orthopedic study and initial treatment (O(2) or room air) was randomized. Each dog was maintained in lateral recumbency for 15 min, at which time ventrodorsal (VD) and opposite lateral thoracic radiographs were obtained. Each dog was then maintained in the opposite lateral recumbency and received the other treatment for 15 min, followed by a VD and opposite lateral radiograph. Radiographs were scored for severity of pulmonary pattern and mediastinal shift by 3 radiologists. Dogs breathing O(2) had significantly higher scores than dogs breathing room air. If radiographically detectable dependent atelectasis is present, repeat thoracic images following manual positive ventilation and/or position change to the opposite lateral recumbency should be made to rule out the effect of O(2) positional atelectasis and avoid misdiagnosis.

Évaluation radiographique de l'atélectasie positionnelle chez les chiens sous sédation respirant l'air ambiant au lieu d'oxygène pur. Cette étude documente le degré d'atélectasie positionnelle chez les chiens sous sédation recevant de l'oxygène pur (O2) par opposition à l'air ambiant. Le décubitus latéral initial a été déterminé par une étude orthopédique et le traitement initial (O2 ou air ambiant) était randomisé. Chaque chien a été maintenu en décubitus latéral pendant 15 minutes, lorsque les radiographies ventrodorsale (VD) et thoracique latérale opposée ont été obtenues. Chaque chien a ensuite été maintenu dans un décubitus latéral opposé et a reçu l'autre traitement pendant 15 minutes suivi d'une VD et d'une radiographie latérale opposée. Trois radiologues ont accordé des notes aux radiographies pour la sévérité du profil pulmonaire et du balancement respiratoire du médiastin. Les chiens respirant O2 ont eu des notes significativement supérieures à celles des chiens qui respiraient l'air ambiant. Si une atelectasie dépendante qui est détectable à la radiographie est présente, une reprise des images thoraciques après une ventilation positive manuelle et/ou le changement de position pour un décubitus latéral opposé devrait être effectuée pour éliminer l'effet de l'atelectasie positionnelle d'O2 et éviter un mauvais diagnostic.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Cardiomyopathy and right-sided congestive heart failure in a red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis).

A 15-year-old female red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) was evaluated because of dyspnea, anorexia, and coelomic distension. Diagnostic imaging results confirmed severe coelomic effusion and revealed a markedly dilated right ventricle. The diagnosis was right-sided congestive heart failure. Results of measurements of vitamin E, selenium, lead, zinc, and cardiac troponin levels were normal or nondiagnostic. The hawk was treated with furosemide, antifungal and antimicrobial agents, and supplemental fluids and oxygen, but euthanasia was elected because of the poor prognosis and the practical difficulties associated with intensive case management. To our knowledge, this is the first described case of cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure in a captive red-tailed hawk.

Diagnosis and treatment of blastomycosis affecting the nose and nasopharynx of a dog.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 2-year-old 38.9-kg (85.58-lb) sexually intact male German Shepherd Dog was examined because of a 4-month history of severe nasal swelling and nasal mucosa congestion. The signs were slowly progressive. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination revealed that the dorsal aspect of the dog's nose was swollen and hard. Mucous membranes in both nostrils were hyperemic and edematous. Diagnostic investigation revealed severe nasal osteolysis and pyogranulomatous rhinitis and nasopharyngitis attributable to blastomycosis. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Oral administration of itraconazole was initiated (5 mg/kg [2.27 mg/lb], q 12 h for 5 days and then q 24 h). After a treatment period of 3 months, the nose had regained its normal appearance. After 5 months of treatment, the Blastomyces infection was eliminated as confirmed by results of rhinoscopy and biopsy specimen examination. No relapse was evident within 1 year after discontinuation of treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs, nasal and nasopharyngeal blastomycosis can result in severe osteolysis of the nasal bone. Resolution of disease can be achieved with oral administration of itraconazole for a period of at least 5 months.

Effect of suckling an isotonic solution of sodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate, or sodium chloride on abomasal emptying rate and luminal pH in calves.

OBJECTIVES: To compare abomasal emptying rates in calves after suckling milk replacer or 3 common orally administered electrolyte solution components. ANIMALS: 5 male calves < 35 days of age. PROCEDURES: Calves with a cannula fitted in the abomasal body were fed 2 L of milk replacer with or without parenteral administration of atropine (0.01 mg/kg, i.v., then 0.02 mg/ kg, s.c., q 30 min) or isotonic (150 mM) solutions of sodium acetate, NaHCO(3), or NaCl in a randomized crossover design. Abomasal emptying rates were determined via scintigraphy, acetaminophen absorption, ultrasonography, and change in abomasal luminal pH. RESULTS: Scintigraphic half-emptying time, time of maximal plasma acetaminophen concentration, ultrasonographic half-emptying time, and pH return time indicated similar abomasal emptying rates following suckling of isotonic sodium acetate, NaHCO(3), and NaCl solutions, whereas the emptying rate of milk replacer was significantly slower. Mean maximal abomasal luminal pH was highest following suckling of NaHCO(3) (pH(max)=7.85) and lowest following suckling of NaCl (pH(max)=4.52); sodium acetate (pH(max)=6.59) and milk replacer (pH(max)=5.84) yielded intermediate pH values. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Isotonic solutions of sodium acetate, NaHCO(3), and NaCl were rapidly emptied from the abomasum but varied markedly in their ability to alkalinize the abomasum. Sodium bicarbonate-containing orally administered electrolyte solution might increase the frequency of infection or severity of clinical disease in diarrheic calves treated for dehydration by causing prolonged abomasal alkalinization.

Fibrosarcoma adjacent to the site of microchip implantation in a cat.

A 14-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat presented with an interscapular mass. A computed tomography scan, biopsy, and histological examination revealed a fibrosarcoma adjacent to a pet identification microchip. Because the cat was previously vaccinated at this site, it is not possible to establish definitive causation of the fibrosarcoma, but this is the first report of a tumor in the vicinity of a microchip in a cat. Microchip-associated tumors have been reported in rodents and dogs. Veterinarians should be aware that because inflammation may predispose felines to tumor formation, separation and observation of vaccination and implantation sites are indicated. Adherence to American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) vaccination guidelines and monitoring of microchip implantation sites are recommended.

Determination of abomasal emptying rate in suckling calves by use of nuclear scintigraphy and acetaminophen absorption.

OBJECTIVE: To develop nuclear scintigraphic and acetaminophen absorption methods for measuring abomasal emptying rate in suckling calves. ANIMALS: 9 male Holstein-Friesian calves < 30 days old. PROCEDURE: Calves were fed 2 L of milk replacer, fresh cow's milk, or an isoosmotic (150mM) solution of NaCl, NaHCO3, or sodium acetate containing technetium TC 99m-diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (370 MBq) and acetaminophen (50 mg/kg). Right lateral scintigraphic images and venous blood samples were obtained periodically after feeding. Two power exponential equations were fitted to the scintigraphic data, and 3 pharmacokinetic models were fitted to the acetaminophen concentration-time data. RESULTS: Data from 32 feedings were analyzed, with half emptying time for scintigraphic evaluation ranging from 29 to 202 minutes. Siegel's modified power exponential equation provided a better description of the scintigraphic data than did Elashoff's power exponential equation. The first derivative of Siegel's modified power exponential formula provided the best pharmacokinetic model for the acetaminophen absorption data. Time to maximal acetaminophen concentration (Tmax) provided the most accurate index of abomasal emptying rate from the acetaminophen concentration-time data. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Abomasal emptying rate is best determined in healthy suckling calves by use of Siegel's modified power exponential equation to model the scintigraphic data. Pharmacokinetic calculation of Tmax from the acetaminophen absorption curve provides an alternative method for determining abomasal emptying rate in healthy suckling calves that is accurate, inexpensive, practical, and safe. However, it is unclear whether diarrhea would alter the acetaminophen absorption curve in calves.

Ultrasonographic measurement of abomasal volume, location, and emptying rate in calves.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate an ultrasonographic method for measuring abomasal volume, location, and emptying rate in suckling calves. ANIMALS: 9 male Holstein calves < 40 days of age. PROCEDURE: Before and after calves were fed different volumes of milk replacer or 2 L of oral electrolyte solutions, ultrasonographic measurements of abomasal dimensions (width, length, and height) were obtained by applying a 3.5-MHz sector probe to the ventral aspect of the abdomen in the transverse and sagittal planes. Abomasal volume was calculated from the ultrasonographic measurements by modeling the abomasum as an ellipsoid and by use of a power exponential equation to calculate the half-time of abomasal emptying (t1/2). RESULTS: Preprandial abomasal volume was 20 to 137 mL. All 3 abomasal dimensions increased during feeding and after suckling, and the abomasum was symmetrically located about the midline of the ventral aspect of the abdomen. Strong linear relationships were identified between ultrasonographic and suckled volumes, between ultrasonographic and scintigraphic heights, and between ultrasonographic and scintigraphic lengths. Ultrasonographic t1/2 was linearly related to scintigraphic t1/2; the latter is regarded as the gold standard measure of gastric emptying rate. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasonographic evaluation of the abomasum appears to provide a practical, rapid, noninvasive, and accurate method for determination of abomasal volume, location, and emptying rate in suckling calves.

Investigation of pulmonary deposition of a nebulized radiopharmaceutical agent in awake cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether conscious, unsedated cats will inhale a nebulized material administered via a facemask and whether this material will reach the lower airways. ANIMALS: 20 healthy adult cats. PROCEDURE: Technetium Tc 99m-diaminetriaminopentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) was nebulized into a spacer and administered to the cats via a closely fitting facemask. By use of a gamma camera, images were then immediately obtained to determine the distribution of 99mTc-DTPA within the lower airways. RESULTS: Images obtained by use of the gamma camera revealed that all 20 cats had inhaled 99mTc-DTPA from the facemask. In each cat, deposition of the radiopharmaceutical agent was evident throughout the lung fields. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Awake cats that were not used to the application of a facemask did inhale substances from such a device. Aerosolization of medications may be a feasible route of administration for cats with lower airway disease.

Tricuspid dysplasia associated to Ebsteins anomaly in dog: a case report / Displasia de tricúspide associada à anomalia de Ebstein em cão: relato de caso

Tricuspid dysplasia (TD), with or without Ebsteins anomaly, is an unusual congenital malformation in dogs (Liu; Tilley6, 1976; Eyster et al.4, 1977; Netter9, 1978; Moise8, 1994). It is characterized by focal or diffuse thickening of the leaflets, underdevelopment of chordae tendineae and papillary muscles, incomplete separation of valve components from the ventricular wall, and focal agenesis of valvular tissue. Simultaneously or not to the tricuspid dysplasia, the downward displacement of the leaflets into the right ventriculars wall may occur, and this condition is known asEbsteins anomaly (Liu; Tilley6, 1976; Eyster et al.4, 1977; Moise8, 1994). The authors relate a case of tricuspid dysplasia associed to Ebsteins malformation in a male Weimaraner, 3-months aged, whose diagnosis was based on physical, electrocardiographic, radiographic and echocardiographic exams. The dog did well the following 15 monthsafter diagnosis but died suddenly; the congenital alterations were confirmed at necropsy.

A displasia da tricúspide, associada ou não à anomalia de Ebstein, não é das cardiopatias mais freqüentes em cães (Liu; Tilley6, 1976; Eyster et al.A, 1977; Netter9, 1978; Moise8, 1994). A displasia da tricúspide caracteriza-se pelo espessamento focal ou difuso dos folhetos valvulares, subdesenvolvimento das cordoalhas tendíneas e músculos papilares, separação incompleta dos componentes valvares da parede ventricular, além da agenesia do tecido valvular. Simultaneamente ou não a esta valvulopatia congênita, pode ocorrer a inserção mais baixa do aparelhovalvar na parede do ventrículo direito, condição esta conhecida como anomalia de Ebstein (Liu; Tilley6, 1976; Eyster et a i*, 1977; Moise8, 1994). No presente relato, os autores descrevem um caso de displasia da tricúspide associada à malformação de Ebstein, em cão Weimaraner, macho, de 3 meses de idade, cujo diagnóstico clínico foi estribado noexame físico, eletrocardiográfico, radiográfico e ecocardiográfico. O animal apresentou uma sobrevida de 15 meses após a realização do diagnóstico, vindo a óbito de forma súbita e natural, e a existência das alterações congênitas foram confirmadas no exame necroscópico.

Tratamento cirúrgico da intussuscepçäo gastroesofágica no cäo. Relato de caso / Surgical treatment of gastroesophageal intussusception in the dog. A case report

É relatado caso de intussuscepçäo gastroesofágica em cadela de 3 meses de idade, da raça Pastor Alemäo, afecçäo rara nesta espécie. O animal apresentou sintomas de regurgitaçäo e dispnéia acentuada, sendo o diagnóstico clínico confirmado por meio de exame radiográfico do tórax. Preconizou-se, após a reidrataçäo do cäo, o tratamento cirúrgico que constou de laparotomia, reduçäo do estômago à sua posiçäo anatômica e fundoplicatura gastroesofágica. No período pós-cirúrgico, notou-se melhora dos sintomas, porém no 7§ dia o animal veio a óbito, näo sendo possível determinar a causa. Tecem-se comentários sobre a provável etiologia do processo, a possibilidade de tratamento cirúrgico e a associaçäo de esofagopatias relacionadas à intussuscepçäo gastroesofágica