Cierre de un gran defecto de la pared torácica y abdominal usando omento y malla de polipropileno en un canino / Closure of a large thoracic and abdominal wall defect using omentum and a polypropylene mesh in a dog

RESUMEN Este reporte de caso describe la resección quirúrgica exitosa de un condroma de gran tamaño localizado en las dos últimas costillas y pared abdominal craneal izquierda de un canino, usando una malla de polipropileno, omento y avance del diafragma. Se discute la técnica quirúrgica y los materiales utilizados en el procedimiento, así como la evolución posquirúrgica del paciente.

ABSTRACT This case report describes the successful surgical resection of a large chondroma located in the last two ribs and left cranial abdominal wall of a dog, using a polypropylene mesh, omentum and diaphragm advance. The surgical technique and the materials used in the procedure, as well as the postoperative outcome, are discussed.

Comparative measurements of bone mineral density and bone contrast values in canine femora using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and conventional digital radiography.

BACKGROUND: Aseptic loosening due to bone remodelling processes after total hip replacement is one common cause for revision surgery. In human medicine, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is the gold standard for quantitative evaluation of bone mineral density, whereas in veterinary medicine conventional radiography is used for follow-up studies. Recently, a method has been described using digital X-ray images for quantitative assessment of grey scale values of bone contrast. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation of bone mineral density (BMD) measured by DEXA with grey scale values (GV) measured in digital X-ray images (RX50, RX66) ex vivo. RESULTS: The measured GV in the chosen X-ray settings showed on average a good correlation (r = 0.61) to the measured BMD with DEXA. Correlation between the two X-ray settings was very good (r = 0.81). For comparisons among regions of interests (ROIs) a difference of 8.2% was found to be statistically significant, whereas in the case of RX50 and RX66 differences of 5.3% and 4.1% were found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that measuring absolute changes in bone mineral density might be possible using digital radiography. Not all significant differences between ROIs detectable with DEXA can be displayed in the X-ray images because of the lower sensitivity of the radiographs. However, direct comparison of grey scale values of the periprosthetic femur in one individual patient during the follow-up period, in order to predict bone remodelling processes, should be possible, but with a lesser sensitivity than with DEXA. It is important that the same X-ray settings are chosen for each patient for follow-up studies.

[Classification of canine intervertebral disc degeneration using high-field magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography]. / Klassifikation der Bandscheibendegeneration des Hundes in der nativen Computertomographie und der Hochfeld-Magnetresonanztomographie.

OBJECTIVE: Although the classification of canine intervertebral disc degeneration using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been described in the literature, there is no such classification using computed tomographic imaging. Because computed tomography (CT) is a frequently used diagnostic imaging tool in veterinary medicine, the aim of this study was the introduction and validation of such a scoring system. T2-weighted magnetic resonance images were available for comparative analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 43 dogs were examined using CT and MRI. Image data records of 144 intervertebral discs were blinded, randomized and evaluated twice by three observers. CT data were analyzed using a self-developed scoring system, while MRI data sets were evaluated using the Pfirrmann scoring system. Intra- and interobserver agreement were determined using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). RESULTS: Intra- and interobserver agreement were mostly substantial in the Pfirrmann (0.58-0.77) and self-developed (0.60-0.81) scoring systems. A slight agreement was found between both classification systems (κ scores 0.26-0.29). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The self-developed scoring system allows a reliable assessment of canine intervertebral disc degeneration using CT imaging. Therefore, further diagnostic and prognostic information can be obtained. Degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs could be identified at an earlier stage when using MRI in comparison with CT.