Glands Of Dogs Research Articles

Comparison of computed tomography findings between perianal tumors originating from the anal sacs and perianal glands in dogs.

Tumors originating from the anal sacs and perianal glands are common tumors of the perianal region. However, differentiation of perianal tumors based on CT findings remains challenging because perianal tumors can show overlapping CT characteristics. Therefore, this retrospective, multi-institutional study aimed to identify the CT findings that can differentiate between tumors originating from the anal sacs and perianal glands in canines. Twenty dogs were included, with nine apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinomas (AGASACAs), six perianal gland adenomas, three perianal gland carcinomas, and two perianal gland epitheliomas. The tumor CT features included the tumor growth pattern, tumor shape, cystic changes within the tumor, contrast enhancement pattern, displacement of the anus, and identification of the anal sacs. The prevalences of suspected metastatic lymphadenopathy of the iliosacral lymph centers and lung metastases were evaluated. The tumor volumes and values normalized to body weight were also assessed. The tumor growth patterns differed significantly between AGASACAs and perianal gland tumors. AGASACAs mostly showed unilateral growth, whereas perianal gland tumors mostly exhibited bilateral growth. CT features, except for the tumor growth pattern, failed to show significant differences between tumors arising from the anal sacs and those arising from the perianal glands. Although histopathological diagnosis remains the gold standard, this study's findings suggest that CT analysis of tumor growth patterns may help differentiate AGASACAs from perianal gland tumors.

Correlation between meibomian gland dysfunction and sebaceous adenitis in dogs.

Sebaceous adenitis (SA) is an immune-mediated disease targeting the sebaceous glands. Meibomian gland dysfunction is a disease affecting meibomian glands with inflammatory features. Sebaceous and meibomian glands share anatomical, physiological and embryological similarities. The involvement of meibomian glands in dogs with SA is currently unknown. To evaluate meibomian glands in dogs affected by SA and compare them with healthy dogs. Eighteen dogs were enrolled. Nine dogs with SA were retrospectively identified from clinical records and represented the case group. Nine healthy, breed- and age-matched dogs were prospectively enrolled in the control group. Both groups underwent dermatological examination, Schirmer tear test-1 (STT-1), tear meniscus height (TMH), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, interferometry (INT) and noncontact infrared meibography (NIM). One third of SA dogs presented subepithelial crystalline opacities. No significant difference between groups was observed in TMH (p = 0.944) and STT-1 values (p = 0.066). INT (p = 0.016) and NIM grades (p = 0.010) were significantly higher and lower in the SA group compared to the control group, respectively. INT values decreased with age (η = 0.930), while NIM scores (η = 0.935) increased. Clinical Relevance: Subepithelial crystalline opacities in SA dogs might reflect a reduced tear film quality. In the absence of standardised methods, INT and NIM proved to be noninvasive and useful methods to examine meibomian glands. Dogs with SA showed a thinner lacrimal lipid layer and more severe meibomian gland abnormalities than control dogs, which seemed to progress with age.

Ex vivo MRI and histological comparison of the canine adrenal glands.

Cross-sectional imaging is widely used to characterize adrenal gland tumors in humans. In small animal veterinary medicine, while some studies have attempted to distinguish between types of adrenal gland neoplasia using CT, peer-reviewed studies investigating canine adrenal glands on MRI are scant. This prospective, pilot, single-center, method comparison, cadaveric study aimed to assess the agreement between ex vivo MRI findings and analogous histopathological findings of the adrenal glands in dogs. The adrenal glands of randomly selected dogs presented for necropsy were examined by MRI (n=31). Additionally, five adrenal masses in dogs who underwent invasive adrenalectomy (including three adrenocortical carcinomas, one pheochromocytoma, and one adenoma) were imaged. Subsequently, gross pathology and histopathology of all the specimens were performed and correlated with the imaging findings. Adrenal gland lesions were identified on MRI with a sensitivity of 24%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, a negative predictive value of 31%, and an accuracy of 45%. The present study provides MRI features of multiple adrenal gland lesions that had never been described in dogs, including cortical hyperplasia, nodular fibrosis, hemorrhage, or multiple tumors, such as adenoma, carcinoma, and hemangiosarcoma. While MRI identified numerous adrenal gland lesions, a significant portion of those went undetected. Therefore, the absence of adrenal gland lesions on MRI does not exclude the possibility of histological lesions being present.

Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Studies on Endocrine Glands of Dogs with Special Emphasis on the Immunoexpression of β-cells of the Pancreas

The aim of this study to evaluate the histopathological, histochemical and immunohistochemical changes of the endocrine glands namely, thyroid, pancreas and adrenal gland in dogs submitted to routine necropsy. A total number of 45 endocrine samples were collected from 15 carcasses of dogs received at Department of Veterinary Pathology, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai- 600 007 were chosen for the present study, namely thyroid, pancreas and adrenal gland. The tissue samples were collected in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Tissues were processed after 48 hours as per recommended procedure and 3 µm thickness sections were made and stained with haematoxylin and eosin for histopathological evaluation. The special stains like Masson’s trichrome and Picrosirius red were used to assess the extent of replacement with collagen fibers. Immunohistochmical protocol was followed as per the manufactured recommendation (Pathnsitu, USA).The histopathological changes recorded in the pancreas included vacuolar changes (2/15), necrosis (2/15), periductular fibrosis (1/15), perivascular fibrosis (1/15), congestion (5/15), hemorrhages (3/15) and inflammatory changes (1/15) while in the adrenal glands included diffuse cortical hyperplasia (4/15) succeeded by nodular hyperplasia (3/15), adrenalitis (2/15), hyperaemia (2/15), hemorrhages (1/15) and atrophy (1/15). Histopathological examination of thyroid revealed atrophy of follicles suggesting thyroiditis (3/15), presence of follicular epithelial cells which were found separated from the basement membrane with cellular debris in the lumen indicating necrosis (2/15) and presence of large cystic gaps with eosinophilic proteinaceous material consistent with cystadenoma(2/15). The remaining samples showed hemorrhages (2/15), perivascular fibrosis (1/15) and congestion (2/15). However no histological alterations were noticed in 3 cases (3/15). Immunohistochemistry revealed that pancytokeratin was expressed by all epithelial cells including ducts. The expression of insulin was noticed in all the cases indicating that no reduction of â cells in all the above said pathological conditions.

Rectal volume is correlated with interfractional positional shifts of the prostate gland in dogs receiving radiation therapy.

Variability in prostate gland positioning during RT for prostate tumors is a recognized challenge in both human and veterinary oncology. This retrospective study investigates the interfractional variability in prostate gland positioning in relation to rectal and bladder volumes in dogs undergoing radiation therapy (RT) for prostate tumors. The study tracked 10 dogs undergoing five RT sessions from February 2016 to November 2021, delivering a total of 25Gy each. Each dog underwent CT scans for treatment simulation, and cone-beam CT (CBCT) images were acquired before each RT. The focus was to analyze the positional shifts of the prostate gland concerning the volumes of the rectum and urinary bladder. The pelvic bones were used as the point of reference. The rectal and bladder volumes were measured before each RT, and shifts in the prostate gland position were calculated by comparing coordinates from planning CT and treatment session images. Findings revealed significant correlations between prostate positional shifts in the dorsal-ventral (repeated measures correlation coefficient of -0.58 [range 00.75-00.33]; P<.001) and cranial-caudal directions (repeated measures correlation coefficient [95%CI] 0.56 [range 0.31-0.74]; P<.001) and rectal volume, while no significant relationship was observed with bladder volume. Shifts in the lateral direction were not correlated with either organ's volume. This study highlights the importance of considering rectal volume in canine prostate tumor RT to minimize positional uncertainties. Maintaining consistent rectal volume may enhance the precision of prostate targeting, potentially influencing the safety of RT.

Morpho-histological Study of the Nictitans Gland and Cartilage in Dogs and Cats in Sulaimani Province

This comparative study aims to assess the differences in the third eyelid gland and cartilage morphology and histology between dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and cats (Felis catus). Twenty nictitans membranes were collected from 20 adult dogs and 20 adult cats. The nictitans membranes were dissected to examine the structure, shape, and positions of the nictitans gland and cartilage. Histologically, the samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffer formalin and then prepared for H&amp;E stains. Generally, in both species, the cartilage consists of a long, slender body, and pigmented large dorsal and small ventral wings. The cartilage had a curving shape that resembled the eyeball's curvature and had two surfaces; palpebral and corneal or bulbar surface. At the basal end of the corneal surface, there are several lymph nodes aggregates. In the dogs, the nictitans cartilage was longer and slenderer than in the cats. The body of the cartilage was wrapped by a spherical and light pink nictitans gland in the dogs while the cats had oval nictitans gland. Microscopically, the nictitans gland in the dogs was composed of a compound tubuloacinar gland whereas; in cats, it was composed of a compound acinar gland. There was no difference histologically in the intralobular and the interlobar septa between species, the isogenous group of chondrocytes was higher in cats Vs. the dogs that showed few in number. In conclusion, the nictitans gland and cartilage were varied in their anatomical and histological structure. This should help researchers make preparations to prevent negative impacts and could help them investigate changes made more pronounced by disease conditions.

The use of ultrasonographic adrenal dimensions and the adrenal dimension-to-aorta ratio in the diagnosis of benign and malignant adrenal diseases in dogs.

Ultrasound (US) is a useful tool for detecting adrenal abnormalities. However, a definite reference range differentiating normal and diseased adrenal glands in dogs of varying body sizes is still lacking. The organ dimension-to-aorta (Ao) ratio of the dogs is correlated with their body weight (BW). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the adrenal dimensions, including adrenal pole thickness and adrenal length, as well as the adrenal dimension-to-Ao ratio, to differentiate between dogs with normal, benign lesions such as pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) and malignant invasive adrenal tumors. The medical records and US images of 39 dogs that were either normal (normal) (n = 15) or affected by PDH (n = 15) or malignant invasive adrenal tumors (tumor) (n = 9) were retrieved in this study. All the dogs had a transabdominal US on the sagittal plane. The adrenal dimensions and luminal Ao diameter at the peak of the systolic phase were recorded. The average adrenal dimensions, including the adrenal dimension-to-Ao ratio, were compared among the groups. Most of the dogs in each group were small-breed dogs with comparable ages, BW, and Ao values. Both adrenal dimensions and the adrenal dimension-to-Ao ratio were significantly lower in the normal group than in the PDH and tumor groups. To differentiate the PDH group from the tumor group, adrenal dimensions of pole thickness and length were more appropriate than the adrenal dimension-to-Ao ratio. Adrenal dimensions and the adrenal dimension-to-Ao ratio can be used to diagnose adrenal diseases. However, in small-breed dogs, adrenal dimensions are suitable for differentiating PDH from tumor groups. Further research is required with a larger sample size and a wider range of canine body sizes.

Computed tomographic characteristics of normal salivary glands in dogs.

Various salivary gland diseases diagnosed on computed tomography (CT) in dogs have been reported. However, no study described the size and CT attenuation value of normal salivary glands in dogs. This retrospective analytical study aimed to evaluate the size and attenuation value of the mandibular and zygomatic salivary glands on CT in dogs without cervical or head lesions. The maximum cross-sectional area (MCSA) was measured in 96 dogs and attenuation value on non-contrast and postcontrast images were measured in 90 dogs. Dogs were divided into three groups based on body weight: group 1, ≤ 5.0 kg; group 2, 5.1-10.0 kg; and group 3, 10.1-15.0 kg. There were significant differences in MCSA for both glands among the three groups. There was no difference in MCSA between the left and right sides in both salivary glands. The MCSA for both salivary glands positively correlated with body weight (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the MCSA of the zygomatic gland between males and females (p = 0.02), but there was no significant difference in the mandibular gland. There was a significant difference in the attenuation value between the mandibular and zygomatic glands in non-contrast studies (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in postcontrast studies. This study established the reference for the size and attenuation value of the mandibular and zygomatic glands in dogs and provided background data for future CT evaluation of dogs with salivary gland diseases.

First study on the immunohistochemical expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and clinicopathological association in canine hepatoid gland neoplasms.

Hepatoid gland neoplasms (HGNs) constitute one of the most common cutaneous tumors that arise from perianal glands in dogs and are clinically characterized by rapid growth. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the inducible form of the enzyme, is associated with several hallmarks of tumorigenesis. Its expression has been confirmed in several human and animal neoplastic tissues, but there are no reports in hepatoid gland tissues. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate COX-2 immunoexpression in canine HGNs, compare the expression among groups of normal hepatoid glands, hepatoid gland adenomas (HGAs), hepatoid gland epitheliomas (HGEs), and hepatoid gland carcinomas (HGCs), and assess the association of the COX-2 expression with clinicopathological features. Sixty-one formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded canine hepatoid gland tissues (20 samples of HGAs, 16 of HGEs, 15 of HGCs, and 10 of normal hepatoid glands) were analyzed for COX-2 expression using immunohistochemistry with scoring for percentage positivity and intensity. Multiple comparisons of COX-2 expression among normal and neoplastic hepatoid glands and the associations between COX-2 expression and clinicopathological features were analyzed. Cyclooxygenase-2 expression was not detected in 60% of normal hepatoid glands and 25% of HGAs. Seventy-five percent of HGAs had a weak expression, while 43.7% and 56.3% of HGEs showed weak and moderate expression, respectively. The expression of HGCs ranged from weak (13.3%) to moderate (33.3%) and strong (53.3%). The immunoreactivity score of COX-2 labeling was significantly different among the normal and neoplastic hepatoid glands (p < 0.0001). The highest score was observed in the HGCs. Only in HGCs, the strong COX-2 expression was significantly associated with some clinicopathological features, including tissue invasion (p = 0.007) and necrosis (p = 0.029). These results suggest that COX-2 may play a role in the modulation of neoplastic cell growth. These preliminary data lead to further investigation on the potential of COX-2 expression as a prognostic indicator and COX-2 inhibitors for canine HGCs treatment.

Research on the effect of an androgenic hormone product on the functional status of common sebaceous glands in dogs.

Nowadays, a high incidence of cutaneous tumors is observed in domestic carnivorous in pet clinic, the sebaceous glands being the starting point for the development of these tumors. The hormonal imbalances are considered to be the most common etiology for these tumors, so the current research is based on the effects of an androgenic like hormonal drug on the functionality of the sebaceous glands in dogs. For this purpose, 32 dogs were distributed in 4 groups: control group 1 (8 dogs - females), control group 2 (8 dogs - males), experimental group 1 (8 dogs - females) and experimental group 2 (8 dogs - males). The investigation targeted the pH of skin and the rate of sebum's secretion. The animals from the experimental groups were treated with Anabolin forte for 2 days at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight/day, intramuscular. The obtained results revealed that administration of Anabolin forte in males induced a significantly distinct intensification (with 10.66%) of sebum's secretion and a significant decrease of pH of the skin (with 17.1%) compared to the animals from the control group. The administration of Anabolin forte in females induced a significantly distinct intensification (with 17.47%) of sebum's secretion and a significant decrease of the pH of the skin (with 14.32%) compared to the animals from the control group.

Morphological and morphometric indicators of the prostate gland in dogs

This article presents the results of scientific research in the field of clinical morphology and animal reproduction. Every year, the number of clinical cases of diseases of the genitourinary system in male dogs increases, but the most important place is occupied by pathologies of the prostate. At the same time, there are practically no parameters of the macromorphological norm of the structure of the prostate and its variants in dogs, taking into account the somatotype and breed of the animal. One of our goals is to study the morphofunctional parameters of the prostate gland. The most objective and atraumatic diagnostic method and technology for quality control of the physiological status of the prostate is ultrasonography. The most objective and atraumatic diagnostic method and technology for high-quality in vivo monitoring of the physiological status of an organ in polylogical pathologies of the prostate is ultrasonography. The experiment was carried out on 98 clinically healthy intact males of the Canidae family, aged from 1 to 7 years, which were divided into four subgroups, taking into account the breed standard of body weight. The study involved representatives of 18 breeds. To establish the morphological and morphometric parameters of the prostate gland, a comprehensive methodological approach was used, including: classical anatomical preparation, morphometry, ultrasonography and statistical processing of the obtained digital data. The article reflects morphological and morphometric studies aimed at identifying the normative indicators of the prostate gland in clinically healthy male dogs, selected according to the breed principle. The data on the anatomical and topographic regularities of the prostate are summarized. The boundaries of the parameters of the norm of the state of the prostate gland were determined, taking into account such morphometric indicators as: length (L), height (H), width (W), volume (V). The morphometric indices of the organ in non-castrated males, determined by the somatotype and breed affiliation, have been established. Revealed morphoechographic correlations of the state of the prostate gland. These data, reflecting the variability of the norm of the structure of the gland, are basic in predicting the development of latent pathologies of the prostate and in the development of effective methods of their therapeutic correction, as well as in improving the methods of selection and breeding in cynological practice.

ONTOGENETIC, BREED, AND SEASONAL FEATURES OF THE SYNTHESIS OF THYROXIN AND CORTISOL IN DOGS AND CATS

The article presents data on the breed and seasonal characteristics of the synthesis of thyroxine and cortisol in dogs of different breeds and cats that do not have a breed. It has been shown that the synthesis of thyroxine in dogs and cats depends on the breed, age and season. The functional activity of the thyroid gland in dogs decreases by 10-12, and in cats by 9-13 years of age. The highest level of thyroxine production throughout the entire research period belongs to the Griffon Petit-Brabancons. The synthesis of cortisol in dogs and cats is stable and does not undergo statistically significant changes. Seasonal dynamics of thyroxine is observed in dogs, but absent in cats. No sea-sonal dependence of cortisol synthesis has been reported in dogs and cats.

B-mode and Doppler ultrasound features of mammary neoplasms and their comparison with normal mammary glands in dogs

Canine mammary neoplasms are naturally occurring non-homogenous group of tumours with many resemblances to human breast cancer. In female dogs mammary tumours are of great clinical relevance due to the high prevalence and mortality rate, which varies according to the histopathological classification and clinical stage. The aim of the study was to compare the ultrasonographic features of the normal mammary gland with benign and malignant mammary neoplasms in dogs, through assessed by B-mode and Doppler mode ultrasonography. Ultrasonographic examination of seven normal mammary glands along with six benign and 12 malignant mammary neoplasms were performed. Among the parameters evaluated by B-Mode ultrasonography, significant differences were found (p &lt; 0.01) in the tumour margin and invasiveness of neoplasms, where malignant tumours were invasive with uncircumscribed margin. Significant difference was also found in the presence of posterior acoustic enhancement (p&lt;0.05) between benign and malignant mammary neoplasms. Elevated peak systolic velocity of blood flow within the tumour vessels in malignant mammary neoplasm was the only feature assessed with Doppler mode having significant difference.

Mutations of p53 Gene in Canine Sweat Gland Carcinomas Probably Associated with UV Radiation.

IntroductionApocrine sweat gland carcinomas (ASGCs) are rare malignant skin tumours in dogs and humans. The literature published so far focuses mostly on the clinico-epidemiological aspect of these tumours, but little is known about their pathogenesis. In this study we aimed to determine whether the p53 gene is involved in the carcinogenesis of the apocrine sweat gland in dogs and whether ultraviolet radiation (UV) is related to it.Material and MethodsForty canine ASGCs were submitted to laser capture microdissection to isolate neoplastic cells, from which DNA was subsequently extracted. PCR amplification and sequencing of p53 exons 2–8 was then performed, followed by computer analysis of the obtained sequences.ResultsSixteen mutations within the p53 gene were found in 13 tumours. The mutations involved C → T, T → C, G → A, and CC → TT transitions, C → G transversion and adenine deletion, which are gene alteration types known to be related to UV radiation in the process of skin carcinogenesis in humans. Six of the thirteen tumour cases displayed the C → T transitions in the same location in exon 4 and three of the thirteen cases displayed T → C in the same location in exon 5.ConclusionThe results of the present study indicate both the participation of the p53 gene and the influence of UV radiation in the formation of ASGCs in dogs.

Prognostic markers of canine mammary tumours: Retrospective study of 142 cases

Due to relevance of the problem, prediction of biological behaviour of neoplasias in mammary glands of dogs requires using contemporary approaches to the study, first of all, of ways of dissemination of tumour cells. One of them is studying the mechanisms of migration of cancer cells out of the neoplasm tissues with further dissemination and development of metastatic sites in the regional lymphatic nodes and remote tissues. We studied the survival period of bitches with tumours of the mammary glands following regional or unilateral mastectomy. Among malignant mammary tumours in bitches, the most often diagnosed were single tumours (57.5%), which histologically were classified to carcinomas – ductal (26.9%) and mixed type (21.9%). Probability of intratumoral invasion to blood vessels equaled 12.0%, to lymph vessels – 7.8%, lymph nodes – 12.8%. It depends on the histological type of the tumour, the most aggressive potentially being сomedocarcinoma, tubulopapillary carcinoma and ductal carcinoma. Parameters of life expectancy and survival level after mastectomy depend on clinical stage of the disease (increase in the stage from the first to the third was characterized by decrease from 12.8 ± 9.5 to 9.4 ± 7.8 months), presence of angio/lymphatic invasions, presence of angiolymphatic invasion, but had no correlation with the size of the tumours. An important predictor of tumour-related death of dogs suffering neoplasias of the mammary glands is index vet-NPI, which has significant correlation with the clinical stage according to Owen and median survival. In particular, median survival in patients with the index lower than 4 exceeded the corresponding values in dogs with the index above 4 by 1.3 times. A promising direction of further research would be studying biological mechanisms of development of tumour emboli in the blood and lymph vessels, metastatic sites in lymph nodes, and also determining their role in pathogenesis of canine mammary tumours.

Foreign experience in veterinaryapplication of scintigraphy

Foreign experience in the use of radiopharmaceuticals has provedthe diagnostic accuracy in identifying kidney, heart, lungs, soft tissues and blood vessels disease. Scintigraphy could beused to detect morphofunctional changes inorgans ororgan systems, as well as metabolic disorders by means of radiation dose rate received afterthe radiopharmaceutical administration. For example, Technetium-99 (99m Tc) is appliedto identifyincomplete bone fractures in unproductive animals and sports horses; hypothyroidism and malignant neoplasms affecting the thyroid gland in dogs; hyperthyroidism in cats. To date, scintigraphy is rarely used in domestic veterinary practice due to a number of reasons. High cost of radionuclides; the need to comply with safety requirements, in accordance with the Guideline 2.6.1.1892-04 dated March 04, 2004; the lack of additional veterinary specialist training. The most significant point is that animals injected with a radioactive compound or implanted with radioactive sources can be returnedto the owner only after the activity of radionuclides in the body (GBq) reducedenough to meet the requirements of Sanitary Regulations and Norms2.6.2523-09 Radiation Safety Standards (NRB-99/2009) dated July 07, 2009.&#x0D; It should be noted that radiopharmaceutical drugs have not been approved for use in productive animals in the USA to date. As additional financial and human resources are required to control the number of residual nuclides in livestock products, resulting in production costs increase.

Structure of the parotid gland in natural infection by Leishmania infantum in Canis familiaris

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to perform a histopathological, morphometric and proteomic study of the parotid gland of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum treated and not treated with Allopurinol. DesignParotid glands from 14 dogs were used, divided into two groups: untreated and treated with oral allopurinol (20 mg / kg, once daily for 90 days). After adequate dissection, the organs were submitted to histopathological, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical techniques, using the monoclonal anti-β-catenin antibody. ResultsHistopathological evaluation of treated and untreated groups showed acinar hypertrophy, structural disorganization of the nucleus and cytoplasm. There was an increase in the area and perimeter of the parotid acini in the experimental groups. The immunostaining of the β-catenin protein in the membrane was severely reduced in the treated and untreated groups. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that Leishmania infantum infection and treatment with Allopurinol alter the tissue structure of the parotid gland in dogs, promoting an increase in the acinar volume and a decrease in the expression of β-catenin in cell membranes.

CT imaging features of the normal parathyroid gland in the dog.

Aim of our prospective pilot study was to assess the feasibility of computed tomography (CT) to visualize the normal parathyroid gland in dogs and provide a description of its CT appearance. A total of 25 dogs, which received CT imaging including the neck region for diseases unrelated to the thyroid or parathyroid glands, were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were a normal physical examination, an unremarkable complete blood count and serum chemistry profile. Pre and post contrast CT images were acquired using a 16-slice helical scanner with an 18 cm field of view, 1 mm slice thickness and a 512 × 512 matrix. Post contrast images were obtained 30-45 seconds following contrast medium injection (early venous phase). CT-images were independently reviewed by 2 radiologists. Visibility of the parathyroid gland was recorded and inter-observer agreement was calculated. For all visualized parathyroid glands the following parameters were assessed: size, density in Hounsfield units (HU) on pre and post contrast images, density of the thyroid gland and border definition (excellent, moderate, poor). Only 20 respectively 25 parathyroid glands could be visualized by the 2 observers. The number did not vary between pre and post contrast images. The inter-observer agreement for the identification was fair (κ = 0.40). Length, width and height (mean ± standard deviation) of the parathyroid gland were 4.2 × 2.5 × 2.9 mm ± 1.3 × 0.8 × 1.0 mm. The density was 39.7 ± 20.6 HU on pre contrast images and 103.1 ± 47.1 HU on post contrast images, thus the organ was hypoattenuating compared to the thyroid gland on pre (166.7 ± 34.3 HU) and post contrast (234.0 ± 60.1 HU) images. This study offers the first description of the CT appearance of the presumed normal canine parathyroid gland. However, the overall visibility was poor. Despite the overall poor visibility of the parathyroid gland it was occasionally visible and its CT dimensions were larger as described for ultrasound in this group of dogs, which showed no clinical signs of hyperparathyroidism. Thus, visibility of the parathyroid gland on CT may not necessarily imply parathyroid disease. However, further research is necessary.

Action Algorithm for the Diagnosis of Prostate Hyperplasia in Dogs

In veterinary practice, at present, specialists often have to deal with pathology of the prostate gland in dogs. The reason for this is that the pathological process in the tissues of the prostate gland can occur asymptomatic and for a long period of time, subsequently leading to organ hypertrophy. An increase in the volume of the prostate gland most often has a benign character, which is generally accepted to be diagnosed as prostatic hyperplasia. The disease is often detected at a late stage, which complicates the treatment and worsens the prognosis. Hyperplasia, as a medical condition, is an indicative term used to describe the abnormal increase in the number of cells in any organ, in this case the prostate gland. This article describes the main symptoms, diagnostic methods and differential diagnosis proceeding from practical veterinary experience.

Surgical Anatomy, Morphometry, and Histochemistry of Major Salivary Glands in Dogs: Updates and Recommendation

Surgical Anatomy, Morphometry, and Histochemistry of Major Salivary Glands in Dogs: Updates and Recommendation