Ventrodorsal Projection Research Articles

Assessment of BFX cup version in a three-dimensional model simulating the ventrodorsal radiographic view.

To measure truncated face and open face versions of the biological fixation (BFX) cup in a three-dimensional (3D) model simulating the ventrodorsal radiographic projection with different cup and pelvis positions. Computer simulation. Simulated ventrodorsal views were generated in silico using 3D models of a BFX cup and a medium-sized canine pelvis. Truncated face and open face versions of the BFX cup were defined and measured with various angles of cup version, cup inclination, and pelvic extension. Truncated face version was different from and underestimated open face version by 12° to 22° (p < .001). Open face version varied with inclination while truncated face version was unaffected by inclination. Open face version was dependent on the degree of pelvic extension while truncated face version was unaffected. Open face version differed from truncated face version. Changes in open face version were not consistently matched by a change in truncated face version. The open face of the cup may be excessively retroverted without this being reflected by truncated face retroversion as seen on a ventrodorsal radiographic view. However, in this study, BFX cups placed with truncated face version and inclination in the normal range and an ALO of 45° yielded predictable open face version.

Radiographic Determination Of Costophrenic Angle Sizes In The Nigerian Indigenous Dog

Assessment of major organs like the heart, trachea, lungs, and diaphragm forms the most common thoracic investigation in small animal radiology. In other words, consideration of the sizes and shapes of thoracic sinuses are usually overlooked, unless the angular recesses are grossly abnormal. The objective of this cross-sectional prospective radiologic study was to measure and document normal index values of costophrenic angular recesses in the Nigerian indigenous dog breed. A total 30 dogs (average body weight: 8.19±2.45 kg) were used for the investigation. Thoracic dorsoventral (DV) and ventrodorsal (VD) projections were obtained of each dog, giving a total of 60 radiographs. Each thoracic silhouette was carefully studied and the costo-phrenic angular recesses (CPAs) were measured, in both DV and VD views, and recorded. Expressed as means and standard errors of means, the results obtained were: 23.40±0.770/23.40±0.540 for the left/right DV CPAs and 24.20±0.620/24.27±0.600 for left/right VD CPAs, respectively. The results of this study are clinically relevant and objectively easily applicable in canine practice for thoracic studies.

Assessment of New Radiographic Traits in Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

Abstract Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a polygenic, multifactorial developmental disorder of the hip joint. Hip laxity, an early characteristic of CHD, leads to degeneration within the joint due to mechanical injury. Definitive diagnosis can be achieved by x-ray examination. The aim of our study is to refine CHD assessments using a quantitative planimetry method. The measurement of the Norberg angle (NA) was found subjective and insufficient to measure hip laxity on the standard ventrodorsal projection, because extension of the pelvic limbs stretches the joint capsule and supports joint congruence. Therefore, we have decided to verify other methods of detecting CHD, which include measurement of femoral head coverage (linear and area coverage) and congruence angle (AoC). These parameters could provide us with relevant information about how well the head of the femur fits into the acetabulum and thus might help to assess CHD better, and identify affected individuals better. In our study, we included 122 x-ray images of 3 breeds of dogs of both sexes and at different ages 5.6 ± 1.8 years. The highest correlation was between both femoral head linear and both area overlap for Bavarian hounds. For Bernese mountain dogs it was between right NA and linear and area femoral overlap, between both femoral head linear and both area overlap. For German shepherd dogs it was found between both NA, between right NA and right AoC, between both AoC, between both NA with both femoral overlap and between both AoC and both femoral overlap on the same side.

Epidemiological, clinical, radiographic, echocardiographic findings and outcome in client-owned guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) with cardiac disease: 80 cases (2010-2021).

To characterize epidemiological, clinical, radiographic, and echocardiographic features of cardiac diseases in guinea pigs examined at a referral exotics center. 80 guinea pigs. Medical records of guinea pigs that had echocardiography performed between June 2010 and January 2021 were reviewed. The percentage of guinea pig patients with cardiovascular disease was 2.8%. Clinical signs included dyspnea (46/80), lethargy (18/80), and anorexia (10/80). The most common physical examination finding was heart murmur (10/80). Radiographic abnormalities included subjective cardiomegaly (37/67), pleural effusion (21/67), and increased lung opacity (40/67). Median (range) vertebral heart score on right lateral (48/67) and ventrodorsal (39/67) projections was 9.0 vertebrae (6.6 to 13.2 vertebrae) and 10.8 vertebrae (7.9 to 13.2 vertebrae), respectively. The most common echocardiographic diagnosis was cardiomyopathy (30/80), categorized as restrictive (11/30), hypertrophic (10/30), or dilated (9/10). Other cardiac diseases included cor pulmonale (21/80), pericardial effusion (18/80), congenital heart disease (6/80), acquired valvular disease (3/80), and cardiovascular mass (2/80). Congestive heart failure was present in 36 of 80. Median survival time from diagnosis was 2.5 months (95% CI, 1.1 to 6.2 months). Animals that died from heart disease had a significantly shorter survival time than those that died from a noncardiac disease (P = .02). On radiographs, cardiomegaly, pleural effusion, and alveolar or interstitial lung pattern should be considered as indications for echocardiography in guinea pigs. Cardiomyopathy (restrictive, hypertrophic, or dilated), cor pulmonale, and pericardial effusion were the most common echocardiographic diagnoses. Further studies on diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in guinea pigs are needed.

Is pneumothorax secondary to pneumoperitoneum a real risk in dogs undergoing total laparoscopic gastropexy?

There were described in veterinary literature, the possibility of pneumothorax as a complication of laparoscopic surgery in dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy associated with total laparoscopic gastropexy. To assess if spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to pneumoperitoneum is a real risk in dogs undergoing total laparoscopic gastropexy. Dogs undergoing totally laparoscopic gastropexy received chest X-rays (CXR) in lateral (left and right) and ventro-dorsal projection before and after the surgery. Two veterinary radiologists reported the x-rays and indicated the presence or not of pneumothorax. Postoperative pneumothorax was not detected on postoperative CXR in the total of 76 dogs of the study. The odds risk of pneumothorax after total laparoscopic gastropexy surgical procedure is low.

Tridimensional models and radiographic study of dorsal laminectomy and thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy in dogs.

To create three-dimensional anatomical models of the thoracic and lumbar portions of the canine spine that reproduce the vertebral surgical approaches of dorsal laminectomy and hemilaminectomy, and to perform the respective radiographic evaluations of each approach. In a digital archive of the canine spine, digitally replicate the dorsal laminectomy and hemilaminectomy in the thoracic and lumbar portions and, then, make tridimensional prints of the vertebral models and obtain radiographs in three dorsoventral, ventrodorsal and laterolateral projections. The anatomical models of the surgical spinal canal accesses of the thoracic and lumbar portions showed great fidelity to the natural bones. The created accesses have the proper shape, location and size, and their radiographic images showed similar radiodensities. The replicas of the dorsal laminectomy and hemilaminectomy developed in the anatomical models in the thoracic and lumbar portions are able to represent the technical recommendations of the specialized literature, as well as their respective radiographic images, which have certain radiological properties that allow to make a deep radiological study. Therefore, the models are useful for neurosurgical training.

Evaluation of a Novel Infrared Thermography Projection to Assess Udder Health in Primigravid Dairy Heifers.

Heifer mastitis in early lactation impacts negatively on animal welfare, milk production and longevity. A major challenge for the prevention and control of mastitis in dairy heifers is to establish when intramammary infection occurs because pre-partum secretum sampling is risky. We evaluated a ventrodorsal projection to capture thermal images of the entire udder of primigravid and compared results against caudocranial projection, which is used in lactating cattle. Based on the analysis of 119 heifers and images taken at 2 months and 2 weeks pre-partum, a very strong positive correlation (r = 0.91 and r = 0.96, respectively) was shown between caudocranial and ventrodorsal projections of hind quarters. Quarter maximum gradient temperatures were consistently greater on ventrodorsal projection than on caudocranial projection, and less variable than minimum gradient temperatures. The collection of ventrodorsal images is a simple one-step method involving the imaging of the entire udder in a manner safe for both the cattle and handlers. Together, these results demonstrate that a single projection can be used to scan the entire udder of primigravid dairy heifers in commercial farm conditions, with the potential to implement this as a routine method for the early detection of intramammary infection based on udder surface temperature.

Ultrasonographic diagnosis of femoral fractures in large animals.

Femoral fractures are often catastrophic in large animals. Radiographic diagnosis is limited by patient size and feasibility, especially in ambulatory settings. Ultrasonography is widely available and may provide an alternative to radiography for definitive diagnosis. 12 large animals (6 horses, 5 cattle, and 1 elephant). Retrospective analysis of large animal patients diagnosed with femoral fracture by use of femoropelvic ultrasonography (2000 to 2019). 5 of 12 cases were ≤ 1 year of age. The remaining 7 cases were 2 to 33 years of age (median, 13 years). All patients developed severe acute lameness after falling (n = 4), limb entrapment (2), dystocia (1), vehicular collision (1), ipsilateral full limb casting (1), or unknown events (3). All were non-weight-bearing or lame at the walk, including 2 recumbent cattle. Ten cases showed upper limb swelling that was variable in location, and 3 had nonspecific upper limb crepitus. Ultrasonography revealed evidence of diaphyseal (n = 6), greater trochanteric (2), capital physeal (2), and distal femoral (2) fractures. Fracture movement during limb manipulation or weight shifting was sonographically visualized in 5 animals. Radiography confirmed fractures in 3 of 8 animals: 2 bovines with distal femoral fractures detected on standing projections and 1 capital physeal fracture that required ventrodorsal projections under general anesthesia. All animals were euthanized (11) or slaughtered (1 bovine). Postmortem examination confirmed ultrasonographic findings in 10 of 10 necropsied animals. Femoral fractures were not localized nor confirmed in any case prior to ultrasonography. Study findings supported the use of ultrasonography for rapid patient-side diagnosis, prognostication, and decision-making in suspect cases.

Osteology applied to image diagnosis of the forelimb of the black-striped capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus Spix, 1823).

Macroscopic bone analysis and evaluation through imaging methods are essential in the recognition of natural and altered structures. Therefore, this study aimed at describing the osteology the thoracic limb of Sapajus libidinosus in bone pieces, identifying them in radiographic and tomographic images. For this, four cadavers were used in the macroscopic analysis and five animals for the imaging exams, of which four were euthanized and added to the macroscopic stage. For imaging exams, the animals were kept anesthetized. All bones were documented, structures described, and compared with literature data from human and nonhuman primates. There was no statistical difference between males and females regarding the length of the forelimb bones. Most of the bone structures of the scapula were well identified in the imaging methods, being more restricted in the ventrodorsal projection. The clavicle presented very limited visualization. The humerus, as well as the radius and ulna, were not well portrayed in their proximal and distal epiphyses by radiography. However, they were well identified on tomography. All structures described in the macroscopic image of the carpal and metacarpal bones could be identified through radiography and tomography, and the radiographic examination of this region is an excellent method for identifying fractures. The glenoid notch of the scapula was not visualized by any imaging method. S. libidinosus presented anatomical characteristics more similar to those of neotropical primates and man, being a great indicator of an experimental model for studies in these species.

Evaluation of a Fluoroscopic Angiography Protocol in Hispaniolan Amazon Parrots (Amazona ventralis).

Fluoroscopic angiography evaluates the heart and vascular tree in real time and can be recorded for further diagnostic analysis and measurements. Although reports have been published of the use of fluoroscopic angiography in birds, this technique has not been evaluated in any avian species. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a fluoroscopic angiography protocol in 12 adult Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis). Under general anesthesia, the birds were positioned in right lateral (LAT) recumbency on a fluoroscopy table. A bolus of nonionic iodinated contrast agent was injected through a catheter inserted into the basilic or medial metatarsal vein during video acquisition. The same bolus was repeated to obtain the ventrodorsal (VD) view with the bird placed in dorsal recumbency. Eleven studies were performed. A total of 19 (10 VD, 9 LAT) continuous, real-time, fluoroscopic angiograms were successfully captured. The brachiocephalic trunk, aorta, pulmonary arteries, pulmonary veins, and caudal vena cava were visualized, and selected intraluminal measurements collected. The intraobserver and interobserver variability for 3 observers was calculated. Intraobserver agreement was found to be near perfect (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.95), whereas interobserver agreement was moderate to substantial (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.52). Coefficients of variation were excellent (VD 0.99, LAT 0.99) for intraobserver assessments and moderate (VD 0.72, LAT 0.52) for interobserver assessments. For the interobserver assessments, the VD projection measurements performed better than the LAT measurements. These results suggest that although there was some variation between different observers, relatively consistent vascular measurements could be obtained. The described fluoroscopic angiography protocol is a repeatable and reliable technique that could be useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of cardiovascular diseases in birds.

Radiomorphometric studies of the thorax in Nigerian indigenous dog: Novel thoracic measurements

Evaluation of the heart in terms of its silhouette size and shape and the morphometry of other thoracic organs cannot be ignored diagnostically in small animal practice when history and or results of general examination of a patient reveal clinical signs of cardiothoracic diseases. However, there is a paucity of published work on the radiologic appraisal of cardiac and thoracic dimensions in the Nigerian indigenous dog. The research aimed to establish new reference indices for improved diagnosis of cardiothoracic pathologies in the Nigerian indigenous dog. A total of 120 thoracic radiographs of thirty healthy Nigerian indigenous dogs, comprising right lateral, left lateral, dorsoventral and ventrodorsal projections, were obtained and evaluated. Biometric parameters were taken of each research radiographs, recorded, and used to generate cardiothoracic measurement indices for the Nigerian indigenous dog. In the dorsoventral versus ventrodorsal projections, ratios established and described as means plus or minus standard errors of means were as follows: cardiac width/cardiac length ratio 0.75±0.01/0.73±0.01; cardiac length/thoracic diameter 0.64±0.01/0.70±0.01; and heart width/costocostal distance ratio 0.58±0.01/0.60±0.01, respectively. The mean results obtained in the right lateral versus left lateral radiographs were: postcava-to-long axis ratio 0.14±0.00/0.15±0.00; cardiac axes ratio 0.75±0.01/0.81±0.01; cavocardiac ratio 0.19±0.01/0.19±0.01; aorticocardiac ratio 0.22±0.0/0.21±0.00; short axis/sternovertebral distance 0.63±0.01/0.63±0.01; and aortic diameter/long axis ratio 0.17±0.00/0.17±0.00, respectively. The cardiac axes ratio and aorticocardiac ratio showed a positive and significant (p≤0.05) relationship with the cardiac short axis in the lateral projections. The indices established in this study are reproducible and easy to use, allowing objective thoracic assessment. All the results are efficient and generated in the present investigation, probably, for the first time in veterinary radiology. The clinical relevance of this research is related to the management of cardiothoracic anomalies.

Thoracic evaluation and cardiac measurement using radiography in opossums (Didelphis albiventris)

Cardiac measurement by chest X-ray is very important in the cardiac characterization of dogs and cats, however, the wild animal clinic has a different reality. Opossums (Didelphis albiventris) are part of the Brazilian fauna and are frequently referred for clinical and radiographic evaluation. The objective of this research was to evaluate the thorax of skunks and establish the average of VHS and VLAS for these animals. Chest radiographs were performed in lateral and ventrodorsal projections to measure the VHS and VLAS, thoracic depth and tracheal diameter. The mean VHS was 7.85 (± 0.3) for males and 8.12 (± 0.5) for females and the measured VLAS was 1.19 (± 0.2) for both sexes. The mean value for thoracic depth was 1.13 (± 0.03) and the ratio between the diameter of the chest inlet and the diameter of the trachea was 0.25 (± 0.02), with no significant differences between the sexes. This is the first study that addresses the thoracic evaluation by tracheal and cardiac measurements of skunks through radiographic examination.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treatment of Coxofemoral Dysplasia in a Dog

Background: Coxofemoral dysplasia (CFD) is the abnormal development of the hip joint, mostly affecting large breeds, and is characterized by subluxation or complete luxation of the femoral head. Among the conservative therapeutic options, cell therapies with stem cells for CFD provides potential by the countless possibilities of therapeutic application, especially those related to the chronic and/or degenerative diseases treatment, which could be a key point for the bone and joint repair. The objective was to report a bilateral CFD case in a dog, treated with intra-articular application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), with 0, 30, 60 and 90 days, and further evaluations. Case: A 2-year-old male Akita dog was referred to the Veterinary Hospital Harmonia (HVH) located in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, presenting clinical signs of hip pain, lameness and pelvic limbs hopping. By orthopedic examination, pain was observed at the cranial and caudal extension of the pelvic limb, and at flexion, abduction and adduction of the limb, as well as moderate muscle atrophy and presence of joint crackling. By coxofemoral radiography performed in ventrodorsal projection, it were detected bilateral femoral head subluxation, thickening of the femoral neck and the presence of intra-articular osteophytes. These findings are compatible with the degeneration caused by the presence of CFD. Laboratory tests performed such as hemogram and biochemical had no changes. Thus, the patient had intra-articular application of allogeneic MSC, derived from adipose tissue, obtained by private company. For stem cell applications, arthrocentesis of the hip joints was performed one at a time, using a 5 mL syringe and 16G needle for aspiration of 2 mL synovial fluid, for discard and application of stem cells. After aspiration, the syringe containing the MSC were fitted to the 16G needle for the implant. After the final procedure, the patient was moved to the internment division for anesthetic recovery. The animal was clinically assessed on days 0, 30, 60 and 90 following the criteria of locomotion and physical-orthopedic examination, in which the results were interpreted by a numerical scale. Discussion: For locomotion, there were differences for the pattern observed on days 0, 30, 60 and 90, with reduced claudication until walking without changes. There was also a decrease in the range of motion until limitations absent. For the parameters such as functional capacity and claudication at trot, there were reductions from the 30th day, promoting a slightly rigid gait, being noticeable when running. For the clinical parameters used in the physical-orthopedic evaluation, regarding the parameters analysis such as pain, caudal extension, cranial extension, internal rotation, abduction, and adduction, there were differences from the 30th day through pain reduction, remaining on the 60th and 90th days. Regarding the muscle atrophy, a difference was observed in the right pelvic limb on the 60th day, with moderate recovery. In addition, for the station tests and presence of joint crackling in the pelvic joint, there were no differences for the pattern during data collection regarding all evaluations. Those results allow inferring that MSC contributed to the CFD treatment, promoting the reduction of clinical signs and, consequently, providing a better life quality of the patient, which positively characterize it as a modality of treatment. Keywords: veterinary orthopedic, lameness, joint, genetic disease, degenerative disease. Título: Células-tronco mesenquimais para tratamento de displasia coxofemoral em cão Descritores: ortopedia veterinária, claudicação, articulação, doença genética, doença degenerativa.

Early hip laxity screening and later canine hip dysplasia development.

Background and Aim:Passive hip laxity (PHL) is considered the primary risk factor for canine hip dysplasia (HD) and is estimated, in stress hip radiographs, using the distraction index (DI). The study aimed to associate the early PHL using the hip Distractor of University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (DisUTAD) and the late HD grades.Materials and Methods:A total of 41 dogs (82 hips) were submitted to a follow-up study. First, between 4 and 12 months of age, dogs were radiographed using the DisUTAD hip distractor and were determined the DI for each hip joint. Then, after 12 months of age, dogs were reevaluated for HD using the conventional hip ventrodorsal projection and hips were evaluated for HD using the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) scoring system.Results:Hips of dogs’ in the second examination with FCI grades of A (n=28), B (n=11), C (n=22), and D and E (n=21) had an early DI of 0.32±0.1, 0.38±0.08, 0.50±0.12, and 0.64±0.11, respectively. Statistical analysis using the general linear model univariate, with the DI as dependent variable and the FCI grades, side and sex as fixed factors, and the post hoc Bonferroni correction test showed significant differences among FCI grades (p<0.05).Conclusion:These results show the association between early DI and the late FCI HD grades and the DisUTAD is recommended for the early canine HD diagnosis.

Cardiac Radiographic Measurements in Ferrets Using the OsiriX MD Programme.

Objectives: To adapt the vertebral heart scale (VHS) for use in ferrets and identify new scales and tools that allow to establish the normal heart size by means of radiography more quickly and effectively.Methods: Forty healthy pet ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) were used in this prospective study. The measurements were made on right lateral, left lateral, ventrodorsal, and dorsoventral projections, using OsiriX MD medical imaging software, to evaluate sex effect and variance within the different heart scales. Cardiac measurements were also correlated to VHS and the cardiac dimension in the same projection.Results: Most of the cardiac measurements were significantly different between males and females. The results for the VHS were: right lateral VHS (RL-VHS): 5.52 ± 0.28 v (vertebrae units); left lateral (LL-VHS): 5.55 ± 0.28 v; and dorsoventral VHS (DV-VHS): 6.22 ± 0.34 v for males and RL-VHS: 5.24 ± 0.2 v; LL-VHS: 5.25 ± 0.20 v; and DV-VHS: 5.97 ± 0.35 v for females. Regarding the sternebral heart scale (SHS), the values were: RL-SHS: 5.10 ± 0.20 s (sternebrae units) and LL-SHS: 5.11 ± 0.20 s for males and RL-SHS: 4.67 ± 0.24 s and LL-SHS: 4.67 ± 0.28 s for females. The new measurements based on determining the cardiac area were also marked by clear sexual dimorphism, as shown for the cardiac area-axis (AREA-AXIS): RL-AREA-AXIS: 3.82 ± 0.45 cm2; LL-AREA-AXIS: 3.87 ± 0.41 cm2; ventrodorsal (VD)-AREA-AXIS: 4.59 ± 0.64 cm2; and DV-AREA-AXIS: 4.80 ± 0.50 cm2 for males and RL-AREA-AXIS: 2.39 ± 0.23 cm2; LL-AREA-AXIS: 2.41 ± 0.26 cm2; VD-AREA-AXIS: 3.08 ± 0.45 cm2; and DV-AREA-AXIS: 3.06 ± 0.47 cm2 for females. The cardiac area open polygon (AREA-POL) values were: RL-AREA-POL: 6.78 ± 0.65 cm2; LL-AREA-POL: 6.88 ± 0.68 cm2; VD-AREA-POL: 7.20 ± 0.91 cm2; and DV-AREA-POL: 7.57 ± 0.88 cm2 for males and RL-AREA-POL: 4.28 ± 0.30 cm2; LL-AREA-POL: 4.35 ± 0.35 cm2; VD-AREA-POL: 4.72 ± 0.65 cm2; and DV-AREA-POL: 4.79 ± 0.66 cm2 for females, with similar differences noted from various radiographic projections. A good correlation was noted between VHS and SHS, and a very strongly positive correlation existed between cardiac area measurements and cardiac dimensions.Conclusion: The VHS adapted to ferrets, the SHS, as well as the cardiac area measurements presented in our study are ideal tools for the assessment of cardiac size in ferrets.

Radiographic evaluation of cardiac size in the white stork (Ciconia ciconia)

Physical examination of the cardiovascular system in birds is quite difficult compared to other animals. As in humans and mammalian animals, radiography is a reliable diagnostic tool to identify cardiovascular disorders in birds. However, cardiovascular radiography studies for birds are very limited and reference information is lacking. In this study the aim was to determine the reference values of cardiac radiographic measurements that can be used especially in the diagnosis of cardiomegaly in storks, which is a free-living bird species. For this purpose, 26 white storks without cardiovascular disorders were used in the study. Radiographs were taken in lateral and ventrodorsal projections. Five measurements: heart length (61.70 ± 6.69 mm), heart width (51.65 ± 4.84), carina length (139.80 ± 10.05), thoracic width (87.45 ± 6.58), and coracoid width (10.24 ± 1.20) were performed. The ratio of the heart width to thoracic width was 59.16%. The ratio of heart length to carina length was 44.28%. Heart width correlates significantly and positively with the thoracic width (R: 0.556, R2: 0.310, P: 0.003). The heart width can be estimated by using the thoracic width values with the regressionbased formula in the results of this study. Clinically, it can be determined whether an individual case falls between the minimum or maximum reference values for heart width or length. The results presented in this study may provide clinicians with reference information regarding cardiomegaly.

Cardiac size appraisals in thoracic radiographs of Nigerian Indigenous dogs: reference guides in clinical practice

The application of radiologic measurement methods has provided very sensitive and more accurate evaluation, compared with subjective assessment, especially in subtle cases of thoracic organ size anomaly. The objective of the study was to determine radiologic ratios for diagnostic and biometric cardiothoracic evaluations in the Nigerian Indigenous Dog. Thirty healthy dogs (average body weight: 8.2 kg; range: 4.0 – 15.6 kg) consisting of equal number of males and females were recruited for the investigation. Sixty dorsoventral versus ventrodorsal thoracic projections of each of the research dogs were acquired. Parameters in each radiograph were objectively evaluated, as follows: thoracic diameter, cardiac diameter in views, cardiac length and cardiac width. Indices generated in the views were the cardiothoracic ratios (CTR) and the cardiac indices (CI). Mean ± standard error of mean CTR and CI values were 0.50±0.01/0.56±0.01 and 0.56±0.01/0.61±0.01, between the opposite views, respectively. These results are objective, reproducible and easily applicable to veterinary clinical practice for radiologic cardiac appraisal.

Effect of Positioning on Coelomic Radiography with and without Contrast in the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)

A prospective study was performed in 12 green iguanas (Iguana iguana) to compare the radiographic appearance of coelomic viscera. Five radiographic projections (views) of the coelom were obtained: dorsoventral, right lateral vertical beam, left lateral vertical beam, right lateral horizontal beam, and left lateral horizontal beam. One week later, the same radiographic projections were obtained after oral administration of barium. In 4 of the 12 green iguanas, an additional vertical beam ventrodorsal view was obtained. In comparing lateral projections, lung, liver, and gonads were best imaged in horizontal beam lateral projections, before distention of the stomach with barium, whereas the gastrointestinal tract including the colon was best visualized in vertical beam lateral projections. The shape and size of the cardiac silhouette was considered equivalent between analogous lateral projections in most green iguanas (10 [83%] of 12). In comparing ventrodorsal and dorsoventral projections, the ventrodorsal projections improved visibility of the cardiac silhouette and lung in 4 (100%) of 4 green iguanas, while reducing cardiac length. Dorsoventral projections were preferred for the evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract. This study demonstrates that radiographic beam orientation and patient position result in obvious radiographic differences of the iguanid coelom and that projections are not interchangeable.

A dicephalus calf: anatomical, pathological and radiographic aspects

Congenital malformations are morphofunctional abnormalities of tissues and organs that can occur during embryonic or fetal development in all animal species. Among these, dicephalus is characterized by the development of an individual with two heads and two necks, due to the total duplication of facial, cranial, and brain structures. Reports of dicephalus in cattle are scarce and do not normally emphasize radiographic and bone anatomy characteristics. The objective was to describe a case of a stillborn dicephalus calf. The duplication of the head, brain, neck, and two thoracic vertebral columns, isolated from each other, with 13 vertebrae each was verified radiographically. There were 13 pairs of ribs, the ones on the right side articulated with the thoracic spine on the right and the left ones with the spine on the left. Caudally at T13, there was only one lumbar spine, sacral and coccygeal. In the ventrodorsal projection, L1, L2, L3, and L6 had the shape of a butterfly (suggestive of hemivertebrae). At necropsy, in addition to craniocervical and spinal morphological changes, collapsed lungs, duplication of the heart with anastomosis between the aortic arches of the hearts, and duplication of the upper digestive tract were observed. Additionally, there was arthrogryposis of the pelvic limbs. Corpse maceration, followed by the skeletal assembly, showed the bone changes previously observed and confirmed the suspicion of hemivertebrae.

Pulmonary complications in dogs with acute presentation of pancreatitis

BackgroundIn humans, respiratory complications in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) are a common life-threatening comorbidity. Since possible lung impairment has not been individually evaluated in canine AP, the aims of the present study were to: (1) describe the prevalence, types and severity of pulmonary complications in dogs with acute presentation of AP, and (2) evaluate their association with mortality. AP diagnosis was based on compatible clinical and laboratory parameters, abnormal canine pancreatic-lipase test, and positive abdominal ultrasound within 48 h from admission. The canine acute pancreatitis severity score (CAPS) was calculated for each dog at admission. Arterial blood gas analysis and thoracic radiography were performed at admission. Thoracic radiography was classified on the basis of pulmonary pattern (normal, interstitial or alveolar) and a modified lung injury score (mLIS) was applied to the ventrodorsal projections for each dog. VetALI/VetARDS were diagnosed using current veterinary consensus. Dogs were divided into non-survivors or survivors (hospital discharge). Clinical, radiological and blood gas parameters collected at presentation were compared between survivors and non-survivors and associated with mortality.ResultsThis prospective cohort study included twenty-six client-owned dogs with AP. Twelve out of twenty-six dogs (46%) died or were euthanized. At admission, thirteen dogs showed respiratory distress at physical examination, which was associated with death (P < 0.001). Radiographic abnormalities were found in twenty-one dogs: alveolar (n = 11) and interstitial pattern (n = 10). Radiographic alterations and mLIS score were both associated with death (P = 0.02 and P = 0.0023). The results of the arterial blood-gas evaluation showed that non-survivors had lower PaCO2 and HCO3− levels, and higher A-a gradient than survivors (P = 0.0014, P = 0.019 and P = 0.004, respectively). Specifically, three dogs had aspiration pneumonia, and VetALI was diagnosed in nine dogs (34.6%), and no dogs met the criteria for VetARDS. The presence of VetALI was associated with mortality (P < 0.001).ConclusionsAs with humans, possible lung impairments, such as VetALI, should be investigated in dogs with acute presentation of pancreatitis.