[Computed tomography with computer-assisted detection of pulmonary nodules in dogs and cats]. / Computertomographische Untersuchungen mit computerassistierter Detektion von pulmonalen Rundherden bei Hund und Katze.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the potential benefit of computer-assisted detection (CAD) of pulmonary nodules in veterinary medicine. Therefore, the CAD rate was compared to the detection rates of two individual examiners in terms of its sensitivity and false-positive findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 51 dogs and 16 cats with pulmonary nodules previously diagnosed by computed tomography. First, the number of nodules ≥ 3 mm was recorded for each patient by two independent examiners. Subsequently, each examiner used the CAD software for automated nodule detection. With the knowledge of the CAD results, a final consensus decision on the number of nodules was achieved. The software used was a commercially available CAD program. RESULTS: The sensitivity of examiner 1 was 89.2%, while that of examiner 2 reached 87.4%. CAD had a sensitivity of 69.4%. With CAD, the sensitivity of examiner 1 increased to 94.7% and that of examiner 2 to 90.8%. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The CAD-system, which we used in our study, had a moderate sensitivity of 69.4%. Despite its severe limitations, with a high level of false-positive and false-negative results, CAD increased the examiners' sensitivity. Therefore, its supportive role in diagnostics appears to be evident.

[Comparison of projection radiography and computed tomography for the detection of pulmonary nodules in the dog and cat]. / Vergleich von Projektionsradiographie und Computertomographie zur Detektion pulmonaler Rundherde bei Hund und Katze.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the value of projection radiography as a standard screening method for the detection of lung nodules compared to computed tomography (CT). Furthermore, we attempted to describe the reasons that might lead to a failed detection of pulmonary nodules in radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From dogs and cats which were diagnosed in CT (multislice CT) with nodular changes in the lung pattern we selected radiographs (projection radiography with soft copy reading) in at least two projection planes produced in the same timeframe as the CT images. Exclusion criteria were nodules > 3 cm and homogenously calcified nodules (osteomata). A total of 70 animals (50 dogs and 20 cats) met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: In 43 animals (61%), nodular changes had already been detected using radiography and were then confirmed by the results of the computed tomography. In detail, 32 of 50 dogs (64%) and 11 of 20 cats (55%) showed nodular lesions in the radiographs. In cats, undetected nodules were often accompanied by highly changed lung opacities, resulting in a poor contrast of the lung. In dogs the reasons for a failed detection of lung nodules were relatively equally distributed to several causes. Interestingly, small nodule size itself was not the predominant reason for missing the nodules in radiographs. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In general, radiography still plays an important role as a screening method for the detection of nodular lung lesions. However, one needs to be aware, that a quite high percentage of nodular lung changes can be missed in radiographs. The overall detection rate in this study was 61%. Furthermore, we showed that plane radiographs are of poor diagnostic value when concurrent problems exist which lead to increased lung opacity.

[Sonographic examination of the soft palate in dogs]. / Sonografische Untersuchung des weichen Gaumens beim Hund.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to characterize the normal sonographic anatomy of the soft palate in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on seven canine heads via a submental and intraoral approach. The detected anatomical structures were then reexamined via a submental approach in a water bath. Each anatomic layer was subsequently dissected starting with the submental layers and working towards the soft palate. After every preparation a sonographic examination was carried out. RESULTS: Differentiation between the soft palate and the surrounding oropharyngeal tissue can be effectively achieved. Using the submental approach, the transition between hard palate and soft palate as well as the middle section of the soft palate were distinguished from other oropharyngeal structures in all cases. Visualization of the caudal part of the velum and evaluation of the echogenicity of the soft palate were difficult and not always possible. In the two brachycephalic dogs of the study, it was challenging to distinguish the soft palate from the surrounding tissue. CONCLUSION: The sonographic appearance of the canine soft palate in cadavers was described in this study. The submental approach allows differentiation between intraoral structures. Evaluation of the echogenicity and length of the soft palate is limited.