Retrospective study of feline tracheal mass lesions.

OBJECTIVES: This multicentre, retrospective observational study aimed to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment and outcomes of cats with tracheal masses. METHODS: Eighteen cats from five academic or secondary/tertiary animal hospitals were included. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 10.7 years (mean 9.5; range 1-17). There were nine castrated males, seven spayed females, one intact male and one intact female. Fourteen (78%) were domestic shorthairs, one (6%) was an Abyssinian, one (6%) was an American Shorthair, one (6%) was a Bengal and one (6%) was a Scottish Fold. The most common presenting complaints included chronic respiratory distress or dyspnoea (n = 14), followed by wheezing/gagging (n = 12), coughing (n = 5) and voice changes (n = 5). There was cervical tracheal involvement in 16/18, and two showed involvement of the intrathoracic trachea. The following methods were used for diagnosis: ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (UG-FNB) and cytology (n = 8), bronchoscopic forceps biopsy and histopathology (n = 5), surgical resection and histopathology (n = 3), forceps biopsy via an endotracheal tube (n = 1) and histology of tissue sputtered from a cough (n = 1). Lymphoma was most often diagnosed (n = 15), followed by adenocarcinoma (n = 2) and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1). Most lymphoma cases received chemotherapy with or without radiation according to various protocols, and partial (n = 5) or complete responses (n = 8) were noted. Kaplan-Meier survival data for cats with lymphoma revealed a median survival time of 214 days (95% confidence interval >149 days), which was significantly longer than that of other types of tumours (21 days). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Lymphoma was the most prevalent diagnosis, and showed a good response to chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy. Various diagnostic procedures were performed, and UG-FNB and cytology are good diagnostic procedures for cervical tracheal lesions. Owing to the variety of treatment protocols at different centres, it was impossible to compare outcomes.

Ultrasound-guided transurethral urinary bladder biopsy using an endoscopic biopsy forceps in dogs: 27 cases (2016-2019).

OBJECTIVES: To describe an ultrasound-guided transurethral bladder biopsy technique using endoscopic forceps and its results in dogs of different sizes with different lesion locations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs that underwent ultrasound-guided transurethral bladder biopsy with endoscopic forceps were retrospectively reviewed. Patient signalment, lesion location, use of urinary catheter as a guide, outcome of the procedure and histopathology results were retrieved. RESULTS: Twenty-seven dogs underwent this procedure. Biopsy samples were successfully obtained in 23 dogs. Insertion of the endoscopic forceps without a urinary catheter allowed the procedure to be performed in patients with a small urethral diameter without complication. The procedure was unsuccessful in dogs with a urethral diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the biopsy forceps (i.e. 1.8 mm), either due to small patient size or obstructive urethral lesion. All biopsy samples allowed histopathological diagnosis. No complications were reported after the procedure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This non-invasive biopsy technique should be considered in patients with bladder lesions in which histopathological diagnosis is needed, especially when endoscopic examination is not feasible. By use of the Doppler mode, biopsy retrieval was safe also when the lesion ​was highly vascularised.

Ultrasound-guided biopsy of the equine forelimb proximal suspensory ligament by longitudinal access / [Biópsia guiada por ultrassom da origem do ligamento suspensor do boleto de equinos por acesso longitudinal]

A literatura atual discute múltiplas modalidades de imagem para acompanhar o processo de cicatrização da origem do ligamento suspensor do boleto (LSB) em equinos, mas nenhuma pode garantir que eles possuam fibras colágenas com calibre suficiente para suportar o retorno ao exercício. Já as técnicas morfológicas e bioquímicas, bem como a análise de birrefringência, podem ser mais apropriadas para caracterizar o processo de cicatrização e avaliar a eficiência do tratamento. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever procedimento simples que possibilita a coleta de amostras teciduais de boa qualidade e em sentido longitudinal, por biópsia em equinos em estação. Após antissepsia local, sedação e bloqueio do nervo palmar lateral no aspecto medial do osso acessório do carpo (OAC), o membro foi colocado em suspensão com o carpo flexionado em 90º; a agulha de biópsia guiada por ultrassom foi introduzida em sentido distoproximal, 11 a 13cm distal ao OAC, ângulo de 20º em relação ao LSB, até a região de sua origem. O equipamento foi disparado e coletou-se a amostra tecidual. Essa técnica possibilitou a coleta de fragmentos de boa qualidade para análise histológica e de birrefringência, sem reações adversas, podendo ser usada em modelos experimentais ou na prática clínica.(AU)

Diagnostic efficacy of imaging and biopsy methods for peritoneal mesothelioma in a calf.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare abdominal disease; that occasionally occurs congenitally in younger calves. Cytologic examination of peritoneal effusion (PE) was utilized to diagnose this disease, and was not diagnostic. Diagnostic accuracy has been elevated by recent use of ultrasonography (US), despite most diagnoses have been obtained post-mortem in slaughter houses or during clinical necropsy. In humans, ante-mortem diagnosis is highly associated with clinical use of computed tomography (CT) and laparoscopy together with imaging-assisted biopsy. The present report evaluates the diagnostic applicability of CT and laparoscopy as well as US via the practical application of these imaging modalities in an affected calf, and compares the cytologic and histologic findings among in PE, and specimens obtained from fine-needle aspiration and core-needle biopsy. In addition, the present results were reviewed in comparison with those of previous bovine and human reports. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-day-old male Japanese black calf presented first with scrotal swelling, followed by progressive abdominal distention. Abnormalities of the case included: 1) accumulation of anechoic PE inside the swollen scrotum and abdomen; 2) formation of multiple echogenic nodules within the peritoneal membrane based on US images; 3) presence of hyper-dense spots (suspected calcification) along the margins of the nodules; 4) anatomic connections between intra-abdominal nodular lesions and the swollen tunica vaginalis via the inguinal region based on CT images; 5) serosanguineous-colored and less-turbid characteristics of PE; and 6) formation of multiple nodules over all of the serosa of the rumen as well as the peritoneal wall based on laparoscopic views. Fine-needle aspiration and core-needle biopsy were successfully performed under US and laparoscopic observations, respectively. Histology findings of the core-needle biopsy specimen appeared more indicative (characterization of tubular structures comprised of cubical or columnar abnormal mesothelial cell linings) diagnostically of peritoneal mesothelioma than did findings of the fine-needle aspiration specimen. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first description of clinical applications of CT and laparoscopy to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma in a calf. Laparoscopy enhanced the diagnostic accuracy due to clear gross visualization of the intra-abdominal abnormalities and applicability to imaging-guided core-needle biopsy.

Bleeding risk and complications associated with percutaneous ultrasound-guided liver biopsy in cats.

OBJECTIVES: Liver biopsy is necessary for a diagnosis of liver disease; however, post-biopsy bleeding is a concern. The aim of this study was to describe the extent of bleeding and the occurrence of complications after percutaneous ultrasound-guided liver biopsy (PUGLB) in cats. METHODS: The medical records of 30 cats that had a PUGLB were retrospectively reviewed. Using human guidelines, bleeding was classified as minor or major when the absolute change in packed cell volume (ΔPCV) was <0 and >-6% or ≤-6%, respectively. Complications were defined as physiologic compromise necessitating an intervention, or death. The relationship between ΔPCV and the occurrence of complications and the signalment, initial PCV, coagulation parameters, serum liver enzymes and bilirubin, number of biopsies, histological diagnosis, ultrasound findings, radiologist experience, concurrent procedures and vitamin K administration were assessed using Fisher's exact test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficient, with a P value <0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: All cats had a decrease in PCV after biopsy. The mean ΔPCV was -6.9% ± 4.1%. Minor and major bleeding occurred in 13/30 (43.3%) and 17/30 (56.7%) cats, respectively, and non-lethal bleeding complications occurred in 5/30 (16.7%). Cats with complications had a lower pre-biopsy PCV ( P <0.003). Major bleeding was more likely with a diagnosis of hepatic lipidosis ( P = 0.03). There was no correlation between ΔPCV or complications and signalment, coagulation parameters, serum parameters, number of biopsies, ultrasound findings, radiologist experience, concurrent procedures and vitamin K administration. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: PUGLB is a relatively safe procedure in cats, although many cats have a subclinical decrease in PCV. As conventional coagulation tests did not predict complications or the magnitude of ΔPCV, there is a need for more sensitive indicators of bleeding risk in cats undergoing PUGLB.

Lung biopsy with guillotine cutting needle and biopsy forceps though transdiaphragmatic thoracoscopy in dogs with pulmonary alterations / Biópsia pulmonar com agulha cortante guilhotinada e pinça de biopsia por toracoscopia transdiafragmática em cães com alterações pulmonares

Lung diseases are common in small animal clinical routine. Diagnosis is usually affected due to nonspecific symptoms. Imaging features such as radiography and chest ultrasound are acceptable screening tests, although lung biopsy can provides a precise diagnosis. Thus thoracoscopy provides a minimally invasive diagnostic assessment for chest diseases and offers the benefits such as improved illumination and magnification of the image when compared with thoracotomy. In this study we evaluated the transdiaphragmatic thoracoscopic-assisted techniques of lung biopsy with a the guillotine cutting needle and biopsy forceps, in dogs presenting radiographic suspicion on pulmonary tumors. Fourteen dogs regardless of breed, gender, age and body weight admitted at the Hospital of Veterinary Clinics (HCV) of the Veterinary College (FAVET) of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), were assessed. Inclusion criteria were presence of nodules on chest radiography and triage tests without changes that could hinder general anesthesia and surgical approach. The animals were positioned in dorsal recumbence and two thoracoscopic ports were established: the first port for working instruments; the second paraxyphoid port for the telescope. Three samples were collected using each sampling method from each lesion or from tumors macroscopically similar whenever their size was less than one centimeter. The samples were sent for histopathological examination in the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of FAVET/UFRGS. Surgical time was recorded from first incision to wound closure and surgical complications were reported. The dogs were evaluated for the presence of subcutaneous emphysema, hematoma, seroma, local infection and dehiscence. No conversion to open surgery was necessary during the thoracoscopic procedure in any patient. Thoracoscopic assisted biopsy using guillotine needle and biopsy forceps was a safe and fast technique, without perioperative complications. Both devices provided good quality samples for histopathological analysis of lung abnormalities. However the cutting guillotine needle was more efficient especially in larger pulmonary nodules. The transdiaphragmatic access provided optimal approach for both hemithoraces.(AU)

As afecções pulmonares são comuns na rotina clínica de pequenos animais, todavia, por apresentarem sintomas inespecíficos, muitas vezes o diagnóstico dessas doenças torna-se limitado. Recursos de imagem como a radiografia e a ultrassonografia torácica são válidos como exames de triagem, mas somente a biopsia pulmonar pode possibilitar um diagnóstico específico da doença. A toracoscopia fornece um meio minimamente invasivo de diagnóstico para as doenças torácicas e oferece os benefícios de melhor iluminação e ampliação da imagem, quando comparado com a toracotomia. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as técnicas de biópsia pulmonar por meio da agulha cortante guilhotinada e da pinça de biopsia, guiadas por toracoscopia, pelo acesso transdiafragmático em cães que apresentavam imagem sugestiva de nódulo pulmonar em exame radiográfico prévio. Foram utilizados 14 cães, independente de raça, sexo, idade e peso corporal. Somente caninos com nódulos visíveis na radiografia torácica e que apresentaram condições clínicas e laboratoriais de serem anestesiados foram incluídos no estudo. Os cães foram posicionados em decúbito dorsal e foram realizados dois acessos à cavidade torácica: um primeiro portal intercostal, para introdução dos dispositivos de biopsia; e outro portal paraxifoide transdiafragmático para introdução do endoscópio. Com cada instrumento de biopsia foram coletadas três amostras do mesmo nódulo ou de nódulos macroscopicamente semelhantes e próximos quando o tamanho destes era inferior a um centímetro. Posteriormente as amostras foram encaminhadas para exame histopatológico. O tempo cirúrgico foi cronometrado da incisão ao fechamento da ferida, etodas as informações foram registradas. No pós-operatório os cães foram avaliados quanto à presença de enfisema subcutâneo, hematoma, seroma, infecção local e deiscência de pontos. Não foi necessário converter os procedimentos toracoscópicos para cirurgia convencional em nenhum dos caninos. Concluiu-se tratar de uma técnica segura, rápida sem complicações trans e pós-operatórias. Ambos dispositivos permitiram aquisição de material suficiente para análise histopatológica das alterações pulmonares, no entanto a agulha cortante guilhotinada apresentou maior eficácia, principalmente, em nódulos pulmonares de maior diâmetro. O acesso transdiafragmático mostrou-se eficiente para exploração de ambos os hemitórax.(AU)

Clinical safety of percutaneous ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of adrenal gland lesions in 19 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of fine-needle aspiration of adrenal gland lesions in dogs and to characterise the risks in a subset of patients with cytologically or histopathologically diagnosed phaeochromocytoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records of dogs that underwent percutaneous ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of adrenal gland lesions between August 2014 and December 2016. Nineteen dogs were identified, with three undergoing bilateral adrenal gland aspiration and one dog undergoing aspiration twice, yielding 23 cytology samples in total. Data collected included signalment, concurrent medical conditions, current medications, blood pressure and heart rate before adrenal fine-needle aspiration, imaging characteristics of the adrenal gland lesions and any clinically apparent procedure-related complications. RESULTS: Phaeochromocytoma was diagnosed in nine of 19 dogs, including one dog with bilateral phaeochromocytoma. One dog developed ventricular tachycardia following aspiration of an adrenal gland lesion cytologically consistent with a phaeochromocytoma. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Percutaneous ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of adrenal gland lesions appears to be relatively safe, even in phaeochromocytoma, but further data are required to lend more weight to this finding. Minimally invasive aspirates could be considered as part of the diagnostic algorithm in the investigation of an incidentally detected adrenal gland lesion of uncertain clinical significance.

Fine needle aspiration of abdominal organs: a review of current recommendations for achieving a diagnostic sample.

With the improved accessibility to ultrasound, fine needle aspiration of abdominal organs is now performed frequently in many veterinary practices. Despite this, there are many 'unknowns' as to the best method to produce a high-quality sample. This report begins by highlighting recent literature on the risks and benefits of abdominal fine needle aspiration. It follows with recommendations about the equipment and method best suited to the procedure, including needle and syringe size and aspiration versus non-aspiration techniques. Various smear preparations and laboratory submission requirements are also discussed. The final aspect of the review more specifically discusses fine needle aspiration of specific abdominal organs: the liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, urinary bladder, prostate and abdominal lymph nodes.

Evaluation of diagnostic utility, safety considerations, and effect on fertility of transvaginal ultrasound-guided ovarian biopsy in mares.

Ultrasound-guided biopsies of corpora lutea have been previously used for research purposes in the mare and cow. However, the health effects and fertility after transvaginal luteal biopsies (TVLB) or transvaginal ovarian biopsies (TVOB) obtained for diagnostic purposes in cases of suspected ovarian tumors have not been previously evaluated in the horse. The aim of this study was to determine the effects on health and fertility of TVLB and TVOB in mares; 53 mares were included in the study (11 control non-biopsied mares, 37 TVLB mares biopsied on one or more of the following Days 8, 10, 12, 15, 21, and 5 TVOB mares with ovarian abnormalities), resulting in a total of 108 TVLB and TVOB cycles and 183 procedures. Mares were divided into Groups 1 to 3 by the number of TVLB per estrous cycle (mare in Group 1 had 1 TVLB procedure, mares in Group 2 had 2 TVLB procedures, and mares in Group 3 had 3 TVLB procedures). Group 4 comprised TVOB mare cycles with ovarian abnormalities (n = 5). Mares were examined to determine day of ovulation (Day 0) and the presence of a corpora lutea using transrectal ultrasonography. Mares were sedated, and an ultrasound-guided transvaginal biopsy was performed of luteal or ovarian tissue. Health effects of TVLB or TVOB were assessed by daily rectal temperatures, appetite, and general demeanor for 72 hours post-procedure, and 3 mares were examined at necropsy. Fertility was not significantly different in control and TVLB Groups 1 to 3 (P = 0.7648) and in the first or subsequent cycles where the ovulation was from an ovary that had a previous TVLB (P = 0.7147). A TVLB on Day 8 post-ovulation may induce an early return to estrus. In conclusion, the TVLB or TVOB procedure had no effect on health and fertility in this study if the procedure was correctly performed with good technique. Because of the low number of cycles (n = 37), the fertility data should be interpreted with caution. The TVOB may be applied in the diagnosis of mares with ovarian abnormalities, and no adverse health effects were associated with TVOB of mares with granulosa theca cell tumor.

Celioscopic liver biopsy in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) / Biópsia hepática celioscópica em jundiás (Rhamdia quelen)

Endosurgery has been used for assessment of fish celomatic cavity, as well as for obtaining biopsies for organic analysis. Such minimally invasive access may also be used for the analysis of environmental impact on biomarkers of pollution. In Brazil, studies and literature regarding the use of celioscopy in fish are sparse. The purpose of the current study was to develop a two-port celioscopy technique to obtain liver biopsy in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). Six adult female silver catfish were used. The animals were anesthetized and the inspection of the celomatic cavity were performed using a telescope and celioscopic-guided liver biopsy were taken using laparoscopic Kelly forceps. On the early postoperative period, the animals were released in a confined water reservoir where mortality could be checked. The liver samples were sent for histological assessment. There were no complications during surgery on early postoperative period. It was possible to visualize meticulously several organs (liver, spleen, stomach, pancreas, swim bladder, ovaries, bowel and transverse septum). In conclusion, the surgical technique and the anesthetic protocol proposed were suitable to perform liver biopsies in silver catfish and provided low morbidity...

A videocirurgia vem sendo utilizada em avaliações da cavidade celomática de diferentes peixes, bem como na obtenção de biopsias para análises de órgãos. Esse acesso, minimamente invasivo, pode ainda ser empregado no estudo de impactos ambientais, a partir do uso desses animais como bioindicadores de poluentes. No Brasil, poucos são os estudos envolvendo a realização de celioscopia de peixes. Este trabalho teve como objetivo, desenvolver uma técnica de videocelioscopia, a partir da utilização de dois portais, na obtenção de biopsia hepática em jundiás (Rhamdia quelen). Para o estudo, foram utilizadas seis fêmeas adultas. Após os animais serem anestesiados, realizou-se a inspeção da cavidade celomática com endoscópio de 10mm e 00 para na sequência, realizar a coleta de tecido hepático com pinça de Kelly. Após a recuperação anestésica/cirúrgica, os animais foram liberados em açude que permitia o controle de possíveis óbitos. Todas as amostras de tecido hepático foram encaminhadas a exame histopatológico. Os procedimentos foram realizados sem a ocorrência de complicações trans ou pós-operatórias. Visualizou-se detalhadamente diferentes órgãos e estruturas intracavitárias (fígado, baço, estômago, pâncreas, bexiga natatória, ovários, intestino grosso e septo transverso. Conclui-se que a técnica cirúrgica e o protocolo anestésico proposto são adequadas para a realização de biópsias hepáticas em jundiás e estão associados a diminuta morbidade...

Imaging diagnosis--seminoma causing liver compression in a spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca).

A 13-year-old male spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) was presented with anorexia, apathy, and prolapse of penile tissue. Ultrasonography revealed a large heterogeneous mass in the coelomic cavity, and fine-needle aspiration demonstrated sperm. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a sharply defined mass originating from the left testis. Appearance and signal intensities were similar to those reported in testicular neoplasms in humans, in particular sharing similarities with seminomas. Necropsy results and histopathological findings were consistent with a seminoma. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of the diagnosis of testicular neoplasia in a reptile using imaging techniques.

Design and in vivo evaluation of a robotized needle insertion system for small animals.

The development of imaging devices adapted to small animals has opened the way to image-guided procedures in biomedical research. In this paper, we focus on automated procedures to study the effects of the recurrent administration of substances to the same animal over time. A dedicated system and the associated workflow have been designed to percutaneously position a needle into the abdominal organs of mice. Every step of the procedure has been automated: the camera calibration, the needle access planning, the robotized needle positioning, and the respiratory-gated needle insertion. Specific devices have been developed for the registration, the animal binding under anesthesia, and the skin puncture. Among the presented results, the system accuracy is particularly emphasized, both in vitro using gelose phantoms and in vivo by injecting substances into various abdominal organs. The study shows that robotic assistance could be routinely used in biomedical research laboratories to improve existing procedures, allowing automated accurate treatments and limited animal sacrifices.

Equine preantral follicles obtained via the Biopsy Pick-Up method: histological evaluation and validation of a mechanical isolation technique.

The aims of this study in mares were to: (1) compare preantral follicle parameters between in vitro Biopsy Pick-Up (BPU) and scalpel blade collection methods and between histological and mechanical isolation processing (experiment 1); (2) histologically evaluate preantral follicles (experiment 2); and (3) compare histological analysis with a previously established mechanical isolation technique using a tissue chopper (experiment 3) for ovarian cortical fragments obtained in vivo using a BPU instrument. In experiment 1, preantral follicles were analyzed (N = 220; 90% primordial and 10% primary). Proportions of primordial and primary follicles did not differ (P > 0.05) between tissue collection (BPU vs. scalpel blade dissection) or processing (mechanical isolation vs. histology) methods. Follicle viability and morphology rates were similar (P > 0.05) between tissue collection methods, but mechanical isolation produced more (P < 0.05) morphologically normal follicles than histology. For experiment 2, preantral follicles (N = 332) were analyzed and primordial and transitional (combined) follicles and oocytes were 36.3 ± 0.3 and 26.1 ± 0.3 µm in diameter, respectively, and primary follicles and oocytes averaged 42.9 ± 1.8 and 31.8 ± 2.1 µm. For experiment 3 (188 preantral follicles), within the same animals, the proportion of primordial versus primary follicles was higher (P < 0.03) for histological analysis (98%) compared to tissue chopper analysis (94%), and number of follicles per mg of tissue was not affected (P > 0.05) by processing methods. In conclusion, most parameters evaluated for preantral follicles were similar between histological and tissue chopper processing techniques; hence, mechanical isolation efficiently dissociated equine preantral follicles from the ovarian cortex. Therefore, the tissue chopper could be used to isolate large numbers of morphologically normal equine preantral follicles for cryopreservation and/or in vitro culture.