Osmotic response during kidney perfusion with cryoprotectant in isotonic or hypotonic vehicle solution.

Organ cryopreservation would revolutionize transplantation by overcoming the shelf-life limitations of conventional organ storage. To prepare an organ for cryopreservation, it is first perfused with cryoprotectants (CPAs). These chemicals can enable vitrification during cooling, preventing ice damage. However, CPAs can also cause toxicity and osmotic damage. It is a major challenge to find the optimal balance between protecting the cells from ice and avoiding CPA-induced damage. In this study, we examined the organ perfusion process to shed light on phenomena relevant to cryopreservation protocol design, including changes in organ size and vascular resistance. In particular, we compared perfusion of kidneys (porcine and human) with CPA in either hypotonic or isotonic vehicle solution. Our results demonstrate that CPA perfusion causes kidney mass changes consistent with the shrink-swell response observed in cells. This response was observed when the kidneys were relatively fresh, but disappeared after prolonged warm and/or cold ischemia. Perfusion with CPA in a hypotonic vehicle solution led to a significant increase in vascular resistance, suggesting reduced capillary diameter due to cell swelling. This could be reversed by switching to perfusion with CPA in isotonic vehicle solution. Hypotonic vehicle solution did not cause notable osmotic damage, as evidenced by low levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the effluent, and it did not have a statistically significant effect on the delivery of CPA into the kidney, as assessed by computed tomography (CT). Overall, our results show that CPA vehicle solution tonicity affects organ size and vascular resistance, which may have important implications for cryopreservation protocol design.

Distraction Stabilization of Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis: Technique and Mid- to Long-Term Outcome in 30 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the dorsal laminectomy, annulectomy and distraction stabilization with pins and polymethylmethacrylate technique, its complications and outcome in the management of canine degenerative lumbosacral stenosis. To determine pre- and post-surgical foraminal width and vertebral step changes. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective clinical study. METHODS: Medical records (2005-2020) of dogs treated (n = 30). Clinical signs, Modified Frankel Score, Texas Spinal Cord Injury Score, pain score (dorsal palpation of spine, tail dorsiflexion), imaging findings and complications were retrieved pre-operatively, perioperatively and at long-term follow-up. RESULTS: The most common presurgical imaging findings were disc protrusion (24/25) and sclerosis of the caudal end-plate of L7 (23/30). On short- to long-term assessment 18 out of 21 dogs exhibited clinical improvement and all exhibited improved pain scores (p < 0.0001). Catastrophic complications occurred in 3 dogs, and major complications occurred in 5, of which 3 required additional surgery. Mean lumbosacral step defect reduced 60% (1.8 mm ± 2.5 mm pre-surgery to 0.7mm ± 0.9mm post-surgery, p = 0.1585). Mean foraminal width significantly increased 50% long-term (3.3 mm ± 1.0 mm pre-surgery to 5.0 mm ± 0.9 mm post-surgery, p < 0.0001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dorsal laminectomy, annulectomy and distraction stabilization is a complex procedure which can significantly increase foraminal width, reduce pain and improve gait characteristics in dogs in the short- to long-term, and should be performed by surgeons experienced in lumbosacral pin placement.

Clinical relevance of splenic nodules or heterogeneous splenic parenchyma assessed by cytologic evaluation of fine-needle samples in 125 dogs (2011-2015).

BACKGROUND: Splenic nodules and heterogeneous parenchyma are seen frequently in abdominal ultrasound examinations of dogs, but the clinical importance of these lesions remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether specific ultrasonographic findings correlate with clinically relevant cytologic diagnoses and determine what sonographic features are correlated with these diagnoses. Another objective was to develop a scoring rubric to help clinicians make decisions on whether or not certain ultasonographic findings of the spleen warrant evaluation by fine-needle cytology. ANIMALS: One-hundred twenty-five adult client-owned dogs with ultrasonographically identified splenic nodules, heterogeneous parenchyma, or both. METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively searched for ultrasound-guided splenic fine-needle cytology reports. Ultrasonographic images were assessed for nodule number, size, echogenicity and distal enhancement, degree of splenic heterogeneity, and peritoneal fluid. Dogs were divided into 2 groups: those with clinically important or clinically irrelevant cytologic findings. Potentially useful and discriminatory ultrasonographic findings were identified by statistical analysis, and the most useful findings were used to generate the scoring rubric. RESULTS: The clinically important group included 25 of 125 dogs (22 malignancies, 3 suppurative inflammation). Splenic nodules 1-2 cm in diameter, peritoneal fluid, and >1 targetoid nodule were associated with clinically important cytologic findings. Receiver operator characteristic analysis showed that the scoring rubric was useful for identifying dogs in the clinically important group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Splenic fine-needle cytologic findings identified a clinically relevant diagnosis in 20% of dogs, and larger nodule size, number of targetoid lesions, and presence of peritoneal fluid increase the likelihood of detection of clinically important disease.

CT angiography and MRI imaging features do not predict the tumor type and grade of feline injection site sarcoma.

Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been described as methods for preoperative surgical planning in cats with feline injection site sarcomas (FISS), however, few published studies have compared these modalities. The objective of this retrospective, secondary analysis study was to determine if imaging features of FISS on CTA and MRI are predictive of neoplastic peritumoral projections. Archived data from a previous prospective study were retrieved for 10 cats with FISS. All cats had been evaluated in a single anesthetic episode with MRI and dual phase CT (CTA) imaging followed by surgical removal. Histopathological grading and targeted histopathology of imaging-identified peritumoral projections were performed. Two observers evaluated the CTA and MRI studies for FISS shape, margination, size, enhancement pattern, postcontrast uniformity, pre- and postcontrast margination, the number of muscles involved, mass mineralization, and bone lysis. Metal was present in the imaging field of three of 10 cats, resulting in one nondiagnostic MRI. Peritumoral projections were detected in all cats with both imaging modalities, and most were benign. At least one neoplastic peritumoral projection was detected in six cats using MRI, five cats using CTA, and three cats with both modalities. Higher grade FISS were larger than low grade using MRI, and FISS were larger using MRI. Other FISS imaging features using MRI and CTA were similar. Findings supported use of either MRI or CTA for detecting neoplastic peritumoral projections in cats with FISS. Authors recommend CTA for cats with known metallic objects in the scan field.

Urinary bladder herniation through inguinal ring in a female cat.

A 7-month-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was referred for lethargy, stranguria, and a fluctuant mass of varying size in the right inguinal region. Computed tomographic imaging revealed the urinary bladder partially herniated through the right inguinal canal. Primary herniorrhaphy was performed and re-placement of the urinary bladder was confirmed via laparotomy.

Herniation de la vessie urinaire par le trou inguinal chez une chatte. Une chatte domestique stérilisée âgée de 7 mois a été recommandée pour de l'abattement, de la strangurie et une masse fluctuante de taille variable dans la région inguinale droite. Une imagerie obtenue par tomodensitométrie a révélé une vessie urinaire partiellement herniée dans le canal inguinal droit. Une herniographie primaire a été réalisée et le replacement de la vessie urinaire a été confirmé via laparotomie.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Clinical Findings in Dogs Trained for Awake-MRI.

Training dogs for awake-MRI began in 2012 for the study of canine cognition. Although originally envisioned as a research technique to understand the neural mechanisms of canine cognitive function, its potential as a new diagnostic clinical tool has become apparent. A high-quality structural scan of the brain can be acquired without sedation or anesthesia in as little as 30 s in a well-trained dog. This has opened the possibility of longitudinal imaging of CNS disease with MRI both as a means of monitoring treatment and potentially as a surveillance tool for inflammatory and neoplastic brain diseases in high-risk breeds. This same training can be used to image other body regions, such as the abdomen, enabling clinicians to screen for abdominal disease using cross sectional imaging without the need for anesthesia and without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation. We present four examples of dogs trained for awake-MRI who developed: (1) nasal carcinoma; (2) brain tumor; (3) abdominal lipoma; (4) idiopathic epilepsy.

Randomized, controlled, prospective clinical trial of autologous greater omentum free graft versus autogenous cancellous bone graft in radial and ulnar fractures in miniature breed dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of radiographic healing, complications, vascularization, and bone density after repair of radial and ulnar fractures in dogs <6 kg that were treated with an autogenous cancellous bone graft (BG) or free autologous omentum graft (OG). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial with owners/radiologists blinded to treatment. ANIMALS: 25 dogs with naturally occurring traumatic radial/ulnar fractures. METHODS: Fractures underwent plate fixation with OG or BG. Power Doppler ultrasonographic, computed tomographic (CT), and radiographic examinations of the affected antebrachium were performed preoperatively and every 3 weeks postoperatively until healed. Pressure-sensitive walkway gait analysis and owner and veterinarian assessments were obtained preoperatively (0 weeks) and 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Owner/veterinarian assessments improved postoperatively but did not differ significantly between groups. The improvement in peak vertical force/vertical impulse was greater in dogs with OG than in those with BG, beginning 3 weeks postoperatively. Radiographic healing occurred earlier in bones treated with OG (median, 9 weeks) than in those treated with BG (12 weeks). Cortical bone density derived from CT of the distal ulna was higher in bones with BG compared with bones with OG. Signal intensity and the number of vessels in the fracture callus declined over time in both groups, according to results of ultrasonography. However, bones retained more vessels and greater signal intensity when treated with OG compared with treatment with BG, according to multiple views at 6 and 9 weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Omental grafting was not associated with major complications, and it accelerated bone healing and return to weight bearing in dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Omental grafting should be considered as an adjunct to stabilization of antebrachial fractures in toy and small breed dogs.

Effectiveness of a Radiographic Anatomy Software Application for Enhancing Learning of Veterinary Radiographic Anatomy.

The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an interactive radiology software application that we developed to enhance learning of normal canine radiographic anatomy. All first-year veterinary medical students were eligible to participate in this subject pre-test-post-test experimental design. When presented with the software application, all students had completed two terms of gross anatomy in which the complete anatomy of the dog had been taught using a combination of lectures and laboratory dissections, including radiographic examples. The software application was divided into four body regions: front limb, hind limb, skull/spine, and thorax/abdomen, each with a learning mode and a quiz mode. Quizzes were composed of 15 questions drawn pseudo-randomly without repeat from all structures within a region (median 206 structures). Students were initially given the software application with only the quiz mode activated. After completing four quizzes, one for each body region, students were given access to the software application with both learning mode and quiz mode activated. Students were instructed to spend 30 minutes using the learning mode to study the radiographic anatomy of each region and to retake each quiz. Quiz scores after using the learning mode were significantly higher for each body region (p<.001), with a large effect size for all four regions (Cohen's d=0.83-1.56). These results suggest that this radiographic anatomy software application is an effective tool for students to use to learn normal radiographic anatomy.

Comparison of radiography and computed tomography to evaluate fractures of the canine tarsus.

Detection and accurate classification of traumatic tarsal fractures are important for identifying cases requiring surgical intervention. The aim of this prospective, experimental, methods comparison study was to directly compare the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of tarsal computed tomography (CT), ten-view and two-view digital radiographs for detecting traumatic fractures of the canine tarsus. The working hypothesis was that tarsal fractures would be detected with higher accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity using CT imaging compared to radiography, and a ten-view would be superior to a two-view radiographic study. Ten cadaver hind limbs of medium to large dogs received a CT scan and ten-view radiographic study before and after induction of fractures with a hydraulic press. All bones included in the radiographic images were assessed for fractures by two observers and gross dissection was used as the gold standard. The two-view radiographic study (dorsoplantar, lateromedial) was created from the ten-view study and reviewed 2 years later. All limbs sustained fractures, the most common locations were the talus and calcaneus (n = 7). The sensitivity of CT was greater than ten-view radiographic study (77% vs. 57%), while the specificity was similar (97% vs. 98%). The sensitivity and specificity of the ten-view and two-view radiograph studies were similar (57% vs. 55%; both 98%). Computed tomography images were reassessed postdissection to determine if failure to identify fractures resulted from observer error. Overall, CT was better than radiography for detecting fractures of the canine tarsus, however there was little improvement with ten-view compared to two-view radiographic studies.

Computed tomographic imaging and mechanical analysis of cellophane banding secured with locking polymer clips for portosystemic shunts in canine cadavers.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether cellophane banding secured with locking polymer clips on cadaveric splenic veins would cause less CT imaging artifact and achieve equivalent mechanical strength, compared with cellophane banding secured with metal vascular clips. ANIMALS 10 canine cadavers. PROCEDURES Clips of each material were applied to each cadaver in a crossover design study. Triple-layer cellophane bands secured with 4 medium-large or large polymer or metal clips were placed on cadaveric splenic veins and evaluated by use of CT. Beam-hardening artifact was assessed by artifact length, attenuation, and a subjective grading scale ranging from 1 to 3 for mild to severe imaging artifacts. Secured cellophane bands were mechanically tested to determine force-deformation curves and yield forces. Findings for clip methods were compared with a 1-way ANOVA with a Tukey post-test. RESULTS For metal clips, beam-hardening artifact lengths and subjective artifact grades were significantly higher, whereas attenuation values were significantly lower, than findings for polymer clips. Polymer clips were significantly lower in strength than metal clips with mean ± SD yield loads of 1.9 ± 0.6 N (medium-large polymer clips), 2.8 ± 1.3 N (large polymer clips), 6.0 ± 1.9 N (medium-large metal clips), and 8.4 ± 2.7 N (large metal clips). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Use of locking polymer clips to secure cellophane banding resulted in less CT imaging artifact and mechanical strength, compared with use of metal vascular clips. Use of locking polymer clips may allow improved assessment of postoperative CT imaging in dogs with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts, which warrants in vivo clinical evaluation.

Estimates of biologic variation in specific feline pancreatic lipase concentrations in cats without clinical or ultrasonographic evidence of pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Serum concentrations of feline-specific pancreatic lipase are commonly used for diagnosis and monitoring of pancreatitis in cats, but little is known regarding biologic variation of this analyte. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to determine biologic variation, index of individuality, and reference change values (RCV) for specific feline pancreatic lipase concentrations (Spec fPL) in apparently healthy cats. METHODS: Four blood samples were collected prospectively from 12 apparently healthy cats at 2-week intervals. The Spec fPL was measured in all serum samples by a reference laboratory. RESULTS: Intra-individual variation for Spec fPL was 33.5% (95% CI 27.1-43.8%); inter-individual variation was 99.9% (69.2-169.9%) and analytic variation was 7.3% (6.1-9.2%). Reciprocal index of individuality for Spec fPL was 2.9 (2.5-3.8), the 2-sided RCV was 95.1% (77.0-123.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Due to high individuality, use of a population-based RI for Spec fPL may fail to detect clinically significant elevations in individual cats. The use of subject-based RIs for Spec fPL may have greater sensitivity for the detection of a change in pancreatic physiology in cats; however, this would require serial assessment of apparently healthy cats.

Effectiveness of a Radiographic Anatomy Software Application for Enhancing Learning of Veterinary Radiographic Anatomy.

The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an interactive radiology software application that we developed to enhance learning of normal canine radiographic anatomy. All first-year veterinary medical students were eligible to participate in this subject pre-test-post-test experimental design. When presented with the software application, all students had completed two terms of gross anatomy in which the complete anatomy of the dog had been taught using a combination of lectures and laboratory dissections, including radiographic examples. The software application was divided into four body regions: front limb, hind limb, skull/spine, and thorax/abdomen, each with a learning mode and a quiz mode. Quizzes were composed of 15 questions drawn pseudo-randomly without repeat from all structures within a region (median 206 structures). Students were initially given the software application with only the quiz mode activated. After completing four quizzes, one for each body region, students were given access to the software application with both learning mode and quiz mode activated. Students were instructed to spend 30 minutes using the learning mode to study the radiographic anatomy of each region and to retake each quiz. Quiz scores after using the learning mode were significantly higher for each body region (p<.001), with a large effect size for all four regions (Cohen's d=0.83-1.56). These results suggest that this radiographic anatomy software application is an effective tool for students to use to learn normal radiographic anatomy.

Computed tomographic assessment of sternal lymph node dimensions and attenuation in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE To assess dimensions and attenuation of sternal lymph nodes (SLNs) observed by means of CT in healthy dogs. ANIMALS 12 healthy adult research dogs. PROCEDURES Precontrast and postcontrast enhanced CT of the thorax was performed on each dog. Objective and subjective contrast-enhanced CT measurements were obtained. RESULTS By use of CT, 2 SLNs were identified in 10 of the 12 dogs and 1 SLN was identified in 2. Median SLN length, height, and width were 8.5 mm (range, 4 to 22 mm), 6.0 mm (range, 3 to 10 mm), and 5.0 mm (range, 3 to 10 mm), respectively. Median SLN length-to-T4 ratio, height-to-T4 ratio, and width-to-T4 ratio were 0.64 (range, 0.24 to 1.22), 0.37 (range, 0.25 to 0.53), and 0.29 (range, 0.19 to 0.67), respectively. Median SLN volume was 123 mm3 (range, 38 to 484 mm3). Median height-to-length ratio, width-to-length ratio, and height-to-width ratio were 0.57 (range, 0.27 to 1.75), 0.51 (range, 0.31 to 1.25), and 1.27 (range, 0.50 to 2.50), respectively. All SLNs had homogenous contrast enhancement with median precontrast and postcontrast attenuation values of 18.3 Hounsfield units (HU; range, 4.4 to 36.9 HU) and 41.3 HU (range, 24.0 to 77.4 HU), respectively. All SLNs had a visible hilus, which was fat attenuating in 8 dogs and hypoattenuating in 4 dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE CT imaging characteristics described in this study may provide a reference for dimensions and appearance of SLNs of healthy dogs and serve as a basis for comparison with results for diseased dogs.

Quantification of surgical margin length changes after excision of feline injection site sarcomas-A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate degree length change of lateral surgical margins at various stages of processing for histological examination and quantify the length change between grossly normal surgical margins (GNSM) and pathologist-reported histologic tumor-free margin (HTFM) in widely resected feline injection site sarcoma (FISS) specimens. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Five client-owned cats with injection site sarcomas. METHODS: All cats underwent wide surgical excision (35-55 mm gross lateral margins, 2 fascial planes deep). Gross normal lateral margin measurements from tumor edge were recorded in 4 directions (cranial, caudal, dorsal, ventral) at 5 time points: intra-op (in vivo GNSM); immediately following excision (ex vivo GNSM); following formalin fixation (post-fixation GNSM); after trimming and mounting on glass slides (on-slide GNSM); and HTFM at the narrowest point from the HTFM from the same slides used for on-slide GNSM. Percent change in lateral margin length from in vivo measurements was quantified at each time point and compared using 1-way repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: The largest mean decrease in percent GNSM length occurred immediately after excision (in vivo to ex vivo GNSM = 29%; P = .016). Formalin fixation, trimming, and mounting on slides did not result in additional significant changes in length. Mean HTFM length was significantly decreased compared to both in vivo GNSM (33%; P = .014) and on-slide GNSM (7%; P = .024). CONCLUSION: Significant decreases in surgical margin length in FISS specimens occur immediately following excision (prior to formalin fixation). Subgross evaluation of tumor-free margins from on-slide GNSM to HTFM overestimates the actual (histologic) tumor-free margins.

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE THYROID GLANDS IN EIGHT HYPERTHYROID CATS PRE- AND POSTMETHIMAZOLE TREATMENT COMPARED WITH SEVEN EUTHYROID CATS.

Hyperthyroidism is the most common feline endocrinopathy; thyroid computed tomography (CT) may improve disease detection and methimazole dose selection. Objectives of this experimental pre-post with historical case-control study were to perform thyroid CT imaging in awake or mildly sedated hyperthyroid cats, compare thyroid gland CT appearance in euthyroid and hyperthyroid cats pre- and postmethimazole treatment, and determine whether thyroid size or attenuation correlate with methimazole dose needed for euthyroidism. Premethimazole treatment, eight hyperthyroid cats received CT scans from the head to heart, which were compared to CT of seven euthyroid cats. Total thyroxine levels were monitored every 3-4 weeks. Postmethimazole CT was performed 30 days after achieving euthyroid status. Computed tomography parameters recorded included thyroid length, width, height, attenuation, and heterogeneity. Median time between CT was 70 days (53-213 days). Mild sedation was needed in five hyperthyroid cats premethimazole, and none postmethimazole. Thyroid volume was significantly larger in hyperthyroid cats compared to euthyroid cats (785.0 mm3 vs. 154.9 mm3 ; P = 0.002) and remained unchanged by methimazole treatment (-4.5 mm3; P = 0.50). Thyroid attenuation and heterogeneity decreased with methimazole treatment (96.1 HU vs. 85.9 HU; P = 0.02. 12.4 HU vs. 8.1 HU; P = 0.009). Methimazole dose ranged from 2.5 to 10 mg daily with a positive correlation between pretreatment thyroid gland volume and dose needed to achieve euthyroidism (P = 0.03). Euthyroid and hyperthyroid cats are easily imaged awake or mildly sedated with CT. Methimazole in hyperthyroid cats significantly lowers thyroid attenuation and heterogeneity, but not size.

Analysis of risk factors for elbow dysplasia in giant breed dogs.

OBJECTIVE: Identify radiographic risk factors for development of elbow dysplasia in giant breed dogs less than one year of age. METHODS: Twenty-five giant breed puppies (Bernese Mountain dogs, English Mastiff, and Newfoundland) were studied. Both elbows of each dog were radiographed monthly from two to six months of age, then every other month until radial and ulnar physeal closure, followed two months later by bilateral elbow computed tomography. Radiographic parameters measured included the presence or absence of a separate centre of ossification of the anconeal process (SCOAP), medial coronoid disease (MCD), ununited anconeal process, humeral osteochondrosis, elbow incongruity, as well as the length of the radius and ulna, radius-to-ulna ratio, and date of closure of the radial and ulnar physes. RESULTS: Fifteen dogs completed the study. Two Bernese Mountain dogs were diagnosed with MCD. Risk factors significantly associated with medial coronoid disease included dyssynchronous physeal closure and a decreased radius-to-ulna ratio, both detected between eight to 11 months of age. A separate centre of ossification of the anconeal process was present in 60% of the dogs, and was not a risk factor for development of elbow dysplasia. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Transient, dyssynchronous growth of the radius and ulna may be a risk factor for development of MCD in Bernese Mountain dogs. Dyssynchronous physeal closure or decreased radius-to-ulna ratio prior to radiographic closure of the distal ulnar and radial physes warrants further study in Bernese Mountain dogs and other breeds subject to MCD development.

Changes in the dimension and volume of feline injection-site sarcomas following formalin fixation as determined by use of the ellipsoid volume formula and three-dimensional computed tomography software.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate changes in the dimension and volume of feline injection-site sarcomas (FISSs) before (in vivo) and after surgical excision and formalin fixation (ex vivo) as determined by measurements obtained from 2-D and 3-D CT images. SAMPLE 10 excised FISSs. PROCEDURES The maximum length, width, and depth of each FISS were measured on contrast-enhanced 2-D CT images of the tumor obtained in vivo and ex vivo. Those measurements were used to estimate tumor volume with the standard ellipsoid formula. Tumor volume was also calculated from 3-D CT images with software that used a volume-rendering algorithm. Student paired t tests were used for comparisons between the in vivo and ex vivo assessments. RESULTS Small decreases were detected in maximum tumor length, width, and depth between the in vivo and ex vivo assessments; however, tumor length was the only dimension that decreased significantly between the 2 assessments. Median tumor volume decreased significantly between the in vivo and ex vivo assessments regardless of the method used to estimate it. Tumor volume estimated by the ellipsoid formula was significantly lower than that estimated by the 3-D CT software at both assessments. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that shrinkage of FISSs following excision and formalin fixation was small and may be less than that of grossly normal tissue. Tumor volume estimated by the ellipsoid formula was consistently less than that estimated by 3-D CT software and should not be used when accuracy of tumor volume is of particular concern and advanced CT imaging is available.

The Effectiveness of a 3D Computerized Tutorial to Enhance Learning of the Canine Larynx and Hyoid Apparatus.

Teaching the anatomy of the canine larynx and hyoid apparatus is challenging because dissection disassembles and/or damages these structures, making it difficult to understand their three-dimensional (3D) anatomy and spatial interrelationships. This study assessed the effectiveness of an interactive, computerized 3D tutorial for teaching the anatomy of the canine larynx and hyoid apparatus using a randomized control design with students enrolled in the first-year professional program at Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine. All first-year students from 2 consecutive years were eligible. All students received the traditional methods of didactic teaching and dissection to learn the anatomy of the canine larynx and hyoid apparatus, after which they were divided into two statistically equal groups based on their cumulative anatomy test scores from the prior term. The tutorial group received an interactive, computerized tutorial developed by the investigators containing 3D images of the canine larynx and hyoid apparatus, while the control group received the same 3D images without the computerized tutorial. Both groups received the same post-learning assessment and survey. Sixty-three first-year students participated in the study, 28 in the tutorial group, and 35 in the control group. Post-learning assessment and survey scores were both significantly higher among students in the computerized tutorial group than those in the control group. This study demonstrates that a 3D computerized tutorial is more effective in teaching the anatomy of the canine hyoid apparatus and larynx than 3D images without a tutorial. Students likewise rated their learning experience higher when using the 3D computerized tutorial.

Microscopic Evaluation of Peritumoral Lesions of Feline Injection Site Sarcomas Identified by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVE: Determine whether dual-phase computed tomography angiogram (CTA) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detect more peritumoral lesions of feline injection site sarcoma (FISS) and determine whether CTA or MRI imaging characteristics of peritumoral lesions correspond with microscopic findings. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Ten client-owned cats with FISS. METHODS: A fiducial marker detectable on CTA and MRI was sutured to the skin over the FISS as a standard reference point. All cats received MRI and CTA of the FISS, immediately followed by wide surgical excision. Targeted microscopic evaluation was performed on tissue with imaging-identified lesions and on the surgical margins. RESULTS: A total of 87 imaging-identified peritumoral lesions were examined microscopically (median 4 per cat, range 3-9) with 17/87 (20%) categorized as neoplastic, 51/87 (59%) as nonneoplastic, and 19/87 (22%) as equivocal. In 25 instances, peritumoral lesions were seen on both imaging modalities at the same location. Unique imaging characteristics were seen in 5/17 neoplastic peritumoral lesions (4 cats; all different lesions; 1 CTA, 4 MRI). The CTA and MRI appearances of the remaining 12/17 neoplastic lesions were nonspecific, being observed across more than 1 microscopic category. CONCLUSION: CTA and MRI identified a similar number of peritumoral lesions. The extensive overlap between imaging features of neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions precludes definitive identification of neoplastic peritumoral FISS lesions using CTA or MRI.

Single ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection for treatment of supraspinatus tendinopathy in dogs.

The effect of a single platelet-rich plasma injection for supraspinatus tendinopathy was assessed in 10 dogs. Subjective (owner-assessed) improvement in lameness and function were seen in 40% of dogs with improved tendon heterogeneity and echogenicity in 60%. There were no significant changes in gait reaction forces 6 wk after treatment.

Injection unique de plasma riche en plaquettes guidée par échographie pour le traitement d'une tendinopathie du muscle sus-épineux chez les chiens. L'effet d'une seule injection de plasma riche en plaquettes pour traiter une tendinopathie du muscle sus-épineux a été évalué chez 10 chiens. L'amélioration subjective (évaluation par les propriétaires) a été observée chez 40 % des chiens et 60 % ont manifesté une amélioration de l'hétérogénécité et de l'échogénicité du tendon. Il n'y a pas eu de changements significatifs des forces de réaction de la démarche 6 semaines après le traitement.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).