Contrast-enhanced CT predictors of lymph nodal metastasis in dogs with oral melanoma.

Canine oral melanoma (OM) has highly aggressive behavior, with frequent local metastasis. Computed tomography 3D volumetric analysis is an accurate predictor of lymph node (LN) metastasis of oral cancers in humans but whether this is true for dogs with OM is unknown. In this retrospective observational study, CT imaging was used to assess mandibular and retropharyngeal lymphocenter (LC) changes in dogs with nodal metastatic (n = 12) and non-metastatic (n = 10) OM, then these findings were compared with those of healthy control dogs (n = 11). Using commercial software (Analyze, Biomedical Imaging Resource), lymphocenters were defined as regions of interest. LC voxels, area (mm2 ), volume (mm3 ), and degree of attenuation (HU) were compared between groups. Mandibular lymphocenter (MLC) metastasis was present in 12 of 22 (54.5%) dogs; no dogs had confirmed retropharyngeal lymphocenter (RLC) metastasis. Mandibular lymphocenter volume was significantly different between positive and negative LCs (median 2221 and 1048 mm3 , respectively, P = 0.008), and between positive and control LCs (median 880 mm3 , P < 0.01). There was no evidence of a significant difference in voxel number or attenuation between groups. Mandibular lymphocenter volume moderately discriminated for metastatic status (AUC 0.754 [95% CI = 0.572-0.894, P = 0.02]), with a positive predictive value of 57.1% (95% CI = 0.389-0.754). Adjusting for patient weight did not improve discrimination (AUC = 0.659 (95% CI = 0.439-0.879, P = 0.13]). In conclusion, these findings suggest 3D CT volume measurement of MLC can predict nodal metastasis in dogs with OM and shows promise but further research, perhaps in combination with other modalities, is required to improve accuracy.

Humeral intracondylar fissures and intracondylar sclerosis are common CT findings in the limb contralateral to a humeral condylar fracture in French bulldogs and spaniel breeds.

French bulldogs (FBD) are reported to be at an increased risk of developing humeral condylar fractures (HCF). Spaniel breeds have been reported to be at increased risk of HCF due to a high prevalence of humeral intracondylar fissures (HIF), which can predispose to fracture. The aims of this retrospective, single center, observational study were twofold. First, to compare the signalment, fracture configuration, and etiology of populations of FBD and spaniel breeds presenting with HCF at a single hospital. Second, to evaluate the computed tomographic (CT) findings of the contralateral elbow joints of FBD and spaniel breeds presenting with HCF for concomitant pathology. FBDs were overrepresented for HCF, most commonly presenting when skeletally immature, with a median age of 3.7 months. Fractures of the lateral condyle were the most common configuration for both breed groups. Sclerosis at the fracture site was identified in 62% of FBD and 95% of spaniels undergoing CT scans. Humeral intracondylar fissures and intracondylar sclerosis were commonly observed in the contralateral elbows of FBD (44% and 50%, respectively) and spaniel breeds (58% and 95%, respectively). Medial coronoid pathology, elbow incongruency, and periarticular osteophytes were not identified in the contralateral elbows of FBD but were identified in 29%, 4%, and 20% of spaniels, respectively. The high prevalence of HIF in the FBD group may be a predisposing factor for HCF in this breed.

Computed tomographic findings in a Bluetick Coonhound with a longitudinal thoracic tracheal tear.

A 9-year-old intact male Bluetick Coonhound presented for progressive subcutaneous emphysema of 5 days' duration due to a suspected tracheal tear. Cervical computed tomography (CT) and thoracic CT were performed after failure to identify the tracheal tear with tracheoscopy. A longitudinal tracheal tear was identified starting 4.3 cm cranial to the tracheal bifurcation and extending caudally over a distance of 3.6 cm. Severe pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, and retroperitoneal gas were also present. A follow-up CT 7 days postoperatively confirmed the successful repair of the tear with partial resolution of the presurgical secondary pathology and the patient recovered uneventfully.

Radiography is less sensitive relative to CT for detecting thoracic radiographic changes in dogs affected by blunt trauma secondary to a motor vehicle accident.

Thoracic injuries caused by blunt trauma are commonly encountered emergencies in veterinary medicine. However, published studies are lacking that compare radiology to CT in blunt trauma caused by motor vehicle accidents in canine patients. The aim of this prospective diagnostic accuracy, methods comparison study were to estimate the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of thoracic radiology relative to CT for detecting lung contusions, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and rib fractures. The study further aimed to develop a severity scoring system for radiology and CT and to compare the findings between the two modalities. The hypothesis was that radiology would be less sensitive than CT at detecting these injuries and that radiology would underestimate the severity of lung contusions. Fifty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. Radiology underestimated the presence of lung contusions (Se = 69%, 95% confidence interval) and overestimated the severity of the contusions relative to CT. There was high interobserver variability in evaluating lung contusion severity (coefficient of variation = 91%). Both the three-view thoracic and horizontal beam radiography had poor sensitivities for the detecting pneumothorax (Se = 19% and 63%, respectively) and pleural effusions (Se = 43% and 71%, respectively). Similarly, the sensitivity (56%) of radiographs for the detection of rib fractures was poor relative to CT. Findings from the current study indicated that thoracic radiography had low sensitivity for detecting lesions related to blunt thoracic trauma caused by motor vehicle accidents and supported the use of CT as an additional diagnostic imaging modality in these patients.