Granular Cell Tumour in a California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae).

A 21-year-old female California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) was presented to the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria, with a space-occupying mass in the caudal abdomen. Following clinical, radiological and sonographical evaluation the mass was removed surgically. Histopathology and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the diagnosis of a granular cell tumour, but immunohistochemical labelling for a range of markers was negative. This lesion is rare in mammals and birds, but has not been reported previously in a reptile.

Impact of a high-phosphorus diet on the sonographic and CT appearance of kidneys in degus, and possible concurrence with dental problems.

The main aim of this study was to investigate the impact of pelleted diet of different mineral composition on the sonographic and CT appearance of kidneys in degus (Octodon degus). A total of 35 animals were randomly divided into five groups, fed diets containing different calcium and phosphorus contents (13.5 g/kg calcium and 6.3 g/kg phosphorus, or 9.1 g/kg calcium and 9.5 g/kg phosphorus) and given different amounts of exposure to UV light. Endoscopic examination of the oral cavity as well as renal ultrasonography and CT was performed four times at four-month intervals throughout the study. After 14 months of feeding an experimental diet, all degus were euthanased and subsequently all kidneys were collected for histopathological examination. Animals fed a diet with high dietary phosphate and improper calcium to phosphorus ratio showed severe nephrocalcinosis. Ultrasonographic and CT kidney abnormalities presented as hyperechogenicity and hyperdensity (interpreted as nephrocalcinosis), respectively. The most striking changes were seen at the corticomedullary zone. Ultrasonography and CT correlated in all cases with histopathological findings. Dental disease developed quickly in groups fed diets with an improper calcium and phosphorus content, with obvious apical and coronal elongation of all the teeth. A possible influence of UV light access could not be proved in this study.

Impact of pelleted diets with different mineral compositions on the crown size of mandibular cheek teeth and mandibular relative density in degus (Octodon degus).

The impact of pelleted diets with different mineral compositions on the crown size of the mandibular cheek teeth, as well as the mandibular bone and cheek teeth density, in degus (Octodon degus) was investigated. A total of 28 animals were randomly divided into four groups and fed different calcium or phosphorous dietary content, in the presence or absence of UV light, for 14 months. Dental radiographs and CT images of the head were taken, and the crown size of premolar and molar teeth was recorded. Apical and coronal crown elongation of all cheek teeth and significantly smaller relative cheek teeth and mandibular densities were recorded in degus fed a high-phosphorus diet with an improper calcium:phosphorus ratio. A diet with a calcium:phosphorus ratio of 1:1 was also responsible for the rapid development of dental disease with subsequent severe health impairment.

[Sonography of the teat of cattle, sheep and goats in comparison with other methods of diagnostic imaging--a review]. / Sonographie der Zitze von Rind, Schaf und Ziege im Vergleich mit anderen bildgebenden Verfahren--eine Ubersicht.

Beside the clinical examination of udder/teat imaging methods e.g. sonography, radiography and endoscopy allow diagnosis. This publication will give a summary of currently used and potentially usable methods of diagnostic imaging applied to the teat. Advantages and disadvantages of the several methods were compared--as quoted in literature and completed by own experiences.