Regine Hagen

Rectal duplication cyst in a cat

Enteric duplication is a rare developmental malformation in people, dogs and cats. The purpose of the present report is to describe the first case of a rectal duplication cyst in a 7-year-old domestic shorthair cat presenting for acute constipation and tenesmus. On rectal palpation a spherical mass compressing the lumen of the rectum could be felt in the dorsal wall of the rectum. A computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed the presence of a well demarcated cystic lesion in the pelvic canal, dorsal to the rectum. The cyst was surgically removed via a perineal approach. No communication with the rectal lumen could be demonstrated. Histopathological examination was consistent with a rectal duplication cyst. Clinical signs resolved completely after excision of this conjoined non-communicating cystic rectal duplicate.

Clinical Signs, Treatment, and Outcome in 15 Cattle With Sinonasal Cysts

OBJECTIVE To evaluate clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of cattle with sinonasal cysts. STUDY DESIGN Case series. ANIMALS Cattle (n = 15). METHODS Medical records (2004-2011) of cattle with a fluid-filled mass in the nasal cavity, conchae, and/or paranasal sinuses were evaluated. Data retrieved and analyzed were reason of presentation, clinical signs, diagnostic techniques, surgical treatment, complications, and outcome. RESULTS Common presenting clinical signs were abnormal respiratory noise, nasal discharge, and abnormal respiratory effort. Mean age of affected cattle was 21.7 months. In 9 animals, cysts were identified by endoscopy. Radiographic signs included a mass in the paranasal sinuses or conchae (13), nasal septum deviation (12), fluid lines (10), and bone atrophy (5). Ten cattle were treated surgically with osteoplastic flap techniques to gain access to the frontal or maxillary sinus (5), nasal extraction of the cyst under endoscopic control (3) or a combination of both techniques (2). Nine cattle returned to be productive members of their herd and had no recurrence (mean follow-up, 20.7 months). CONCLUSIONS Sinonasal cysts should be considered as a primary differential diagnosis in cattle with abnormal respiratory noise, particularly in younger animals. Multiple cysts were common, which underlines the importance of a thorough preoperative examination using appropriate imaging modalities. Despite the often expansive nature of sinonasal cysts, the prognosis with surgical treatment was good.Objective To evaluate clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of cattle with sinonasal cysts. Study Design Case series. Animals Cattle (n = 15). Methods Medical records (2004–2011) of cattle with a fluid-filled mass in the nasal cavity, conchae, and/or paranasal sinuses were evaluated. Data retrieved and analyzed were reason of presentation, clinical signs, diagnostic techniques, surgical treatment, complications, and outcome. Results Common presenting clinical signs were abnormal respiratory noise, nasal discharge, and abnormal respiratory effort. Mean age of affected cattle was 21.7 months. In 9 animals, cysts were identified by endoscopy. Radiographic signs included a mass in the paranasal sinuses or conchae (13), nasal septum deviation (12), fluid lines (10), and bone atrophy (5). Ten cattle were treated surgically with osteoplastic flap techniques to gain access to the frontal or maxillary sinus (5), nasal extraction of the cyst under endoscopic control (3) or a combination of both techniques (2). Nine cattle returned to be productive members of their herd and had no recurrence (mean follow-up, 20.7 months). Conclusions Sinonasal cysts should be considered as a primary differential diagnosis in cattle with abnormal respiratory noise, particularly in younger animals. Multiple cysts were common, which underlines the importance of a thorough preoperative examination using appropriate imaging modalities. Despite the often expansive nature of sinonasal cysts, the prognosis with surgical treatment was good.

Diagnosis and treatment of lumbosacral discospondylitis in a calf

BackgroundThe aim of this case report was to describe the clinical findings, treatment and outcome of lumbosacral discospondylitis in a calf.Case PresentationA 5.5-month-old calf was presented with difficulty in rising, a stiff and slightly ataxic gait in the hind limbs and a shortened stride. The lumbosacral region was severely painful on palpation.Radiographic examination confirmed lumbosacral discospondylitis. Medical treatment with stall rest was instituted over six weeks. Radiographic and ultrasonographic follow-up examinations showed lysis of the endplates initially, then collapse of the intervertebral space at the lumbosacral junction and progressive sclerosis in the periphery of the lytic zones. Four weeks after institution of treatment, the calf could rise normally and the general condition gradually had returned to normal. The calf was discharged after 6 weeks and was sound at 3.5 months clinical and radiographic follow up examination. Thereafter, it was kept on alpine pastures without problems and was pregnant 1 year after the last examination.ConclusionsThis report shows that recovery from lumbosacral discospondylitis is possible in heifers, provided that treatment is started before major neurologic deficits have developed and is continued for an extended period of time.

Radiographic and Computed Tomographic Configuration of Incomplete Proximal Fractures of the Proximal Phalanx in Horses Not Used for Racing

OBJECTIVE To characterize the configuration of incomplete proximal fractures of the proximal phalanx (P1) in horses not used for racing and compare radiographic with computed tomography (CT) findings. STUDY DESIGN Historical cohort. ANIMALS Twenty-four horses with incomplete fractures of P1. METHODS Medical records of horses not used for racing diagnosed with an incomplete proximal fracture of P1 based on clinical and radiographic examination and confirmed by CT between 2008 and 2013 were retrieved. Radiographs and CT studies of these horses were analyzed using a subjective grading system and by measuring variables that characterized fracture configuration. RESULTS Twenty-four horses were included (20 Warmbloods) with a mean age of 9.5 years and mean body weight of 574 kg. Fourteen forelimbs and 10 hind limbs were affected. Mean duration of lameness was 8.7 weeks. Computed tomography was superior to radiography in both identifying the fracture and determining fracture size and location. On CT, 92% of fractures were located in the mid-sagittal plane. Mean proximodistal length of the fracture was 13 mm. Fractures were frequently not bicortical. Fractures in forelimbs were located significantly more dorsally than fractures in hind limbs. A distinct fracture pattern with 2 subchondral lines running parallel in close proximity to each other was identified in 54% of cases. CONCLUSION Incomplete proximal fractures of P1 have significant variation in their configurations, especially their dorsopalmar/-plantar location. Computed tomography examination allowed clear identification of the fracture configurations and was superior to radiography.Objective To characterize the configuration of incomplete proximal fractures of the proximal phalanx (P1) in horses not used for racing and compare radiographic with computed tomography (CT) findings. Study Design Historical cohort. Animals Twenty-four horses with incomplete fractures of P1. Methods Medical records of horses not used for racing diagnosed with an incomplete proximal fracture of P1 based on clinical and radiographic examination and confirmed by CT between 2008 and 2013 were retrieved. Radiographs and CT studies of these horses were analyzed using a subjective grading system and by measuring variables that characterized fracture configuration. Results Twenty-four horses were included (20 Warmbloods) with a mean age of 9.5 years and mean body weight of 574 kg. Fourteen forelimbs and 10 hind limbs were affected. Mean duration of lameness was 8.7 weeks. Computed tomography was superior to radiography in both identifying the fracture and determining fracture size and location. On CT, 92% of fractures were located in the mid-sagittal plane. Mean proximodistal length of the fracture was 13 mm. Fractures were frequently not bicortical. Fractures in forelimbs were located significantly more dorsally than fractures in hind limbs. A distinct fracture pattern with 2 subchondral lines running parallel in close proximity to each other was identified in 54% of cases. Conclusion Incomplete proximal fractures of P1 have significant variation in their configurations, especially their dorsopalmar/-plantar location. Computed tomography examination allowed clear identification of the fracture configurations and was superior to radiography.

Locking Compression Plate Osteosynthesis of Sacral Fractures in Three Heifers

OBJECTIVE To describe a technique used for reduction and internal fixation of sacral fractures in cattle. STUDY DESIGN Case series. ANIMALS Three heifers aged 19-32 months with deformation of the tail head and tail paralysis attributable to a closed fracture of S5 or S4 and S5. METHODS Fractures were reduced and repaired under general anesthesia. A narrow, 6-10-hole, locking compression plate (LCP) was placed on the spinous processes of S5 and the first coccygeal (Co1) using 5.0 mm locking head screws. Follow-up inquiries were made by telephone (3/3), and cows were examined clinically and radiographically 2 (1 cow) to 9 (1 cow) months postoperatively. RESULTS No complications were encountered. The range of movement of the tail improved so that soiling of the tail during defecation was no longer a problem. In all heifers, the normal top line was restored and there was no narrowing of the pelvic canal. Unassisted calving occurred in all heifers, and follow-up radiographs for 2 cows showed complete fracture healing. CONCLUSION LCP-osteosynthesis of the spinous processes provided sufficient stability for internal fixation of sacral fractures. Marked improvement in tail function occurred postoperatively without decompression by laminectomy.

COXOFEMORAL JOINT RADIOGRAPHY IN STANDING CATTLE

The objective of this study was to establish a technique for radiographic examination of the coxofemoral joint and adjacent bony structures in standing cattle. Left (or right) 30° dorsal-right (or left) ventral radiographic views of the coxofemoral joint region of standing cattle (n = 10) with hind limb lameness were evaluated retrospectively. In addition, an experimental study of oblique laterolateral views of the coxofemoral joint region of a bovine skeleton at angles of 15-45° was carried out to determine the optimal position for visualization of the hip region. In the 10 clinical patients, the bodies of the ilium and ischium, the acetabulum and proximal third of the femur could be assessed. Six of these cattle had fractures of the body of the ilium and body of the ischium, five with and one without involvement of the acetabulum, two had craniodorsal and one caudoventral luxation of the femur and one had a femoral neck fracture. The described laterodorsal-lateroventral radiographs of the hip region in standing cattle were suitable for assessing the coxofemoral joint, the proximal aspect of the femur and parts of the ischium, ilium and pubis. After testing the optimal angle on the skeleton, it was seen that distortion and superimposition were minimized by positioning the X-ray beam at an angle of 25° to the horizontal plane. It can be concluded that the described technique improves the evaluation of injuries of the coxofemoral region in cattle. With the appropriate angle, the technique can also be applied in recumbent cattle.

Massive haematoma formation associated with proximal popliteal artery haemangioendothelioma in a dog.

A mixed breed dog presented with diffuse unilateral hind limb swelling, which ultrasound and cytology confirmed to be caused by severe haematoma formation. Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography allowed distinct visualisation of an anomalous segment of the proximal popliteal artery, the presumed origin of the self-sustaining haematoma. Histopathology classified the malformed vessel as a haemangioendothelioma, a neoplasia of intermediate malignancy. Considering this as differential diagnosis to a neoplastic vascular alteration of high malignancy (such as haemangiosarcoma) might alter choice of treatment in future cases with similar clinical and imaging findings.

Ultrasonographic and computed tomographic findings in a goat with mediastinal lymphocytic thymoma.

This case report describes the clinical, sonographic, computed tomographic and pathological findings in a 9-year-old goat with mediastinal lymphocytic thymoma. The goat was referred to the Department of Farm Animals because of weight loss and dyspnoea. The lead clinical findings were increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate and heart sounds heard only on the right side. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a massive amount of fluid and an echogenic corrugated mass ventral to the lungs in the thoracic cavity on the left side. Computed tomography showed that the mass was very large and diffusely mineralised. A tentative diagnosis of mediastinal neoplasia was made, and the goat was euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed a cauliflower-like, pedunculated tumour, which occupied the entire left thoracic cavity and displaced the left lung. Based on histological evaluation, the tumour was diagnosed as a lymphocytic thymoma.This case report describes the clinical, sonographic, computed tomographic and pathological findings in a 9-year-old goat with mediastinal lymphocytic thymoma. The goat was referred to the Department of Farm Animals because of weight loss and dyspnoea. The lead clinical findings were increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate and heart sounds heard only on the right side. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a massive amount of fluid and an echogenic corrugated mass ventral to the lungs in the thoracic cavity on the left side. Computed tomography showed that the mass was very large and diffusely mineralised. A tentative diagnosis of mediastinal neoplasia was made, and the goat was euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed a cauliflower-like, pedunculated tumour, which occupied the entire left thoracic cavity and displaced the left lung. Based on histological evaluation, the tumour was diagnosed as a lymphocytic thymoma.

Dacryocystitis following a nasolacrimal duct obstruction caused by an ectopic intranasal tooth in a dog

PURPOSE To describe a nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction secondary to an ectopic tooth in a 5-year-old male Border collie. The dog was presented with a 1-month history of mucopurulent discharge from the left eye (OS) preceded by a lifelong history of epiphora OS. Treatment with neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic solution had not improved the clinical signs, and the NLD was not patent when irrigated by the referring veterinarian. METHODS A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed followed by dacryocystorhinography and computed tomography (CT). RESULTS The ophthalmologic examination revealed marked mucopurulent discharge, mild conjunctivitis, slightly elevated STT measurements, and a negative Jones test OS. Both nasolacrimal puncta OS could be cannulated without resistance for approximately 1.5 cm. Upon irrigation, copious amounts of mucopurulent discharge were exited through the corresponding punctum, while no fluid could be detected at the nares. Dacryocystorhinography was performed. Radiographs revealed an ectopic left canine tooth within the left nasal cavity. A cystic dilation of the NLD was observed proximal to the ectopic tooth. Computed tomography was performed to determine the exact position of the tooth and possible involvement of adjacent structures; CT confirmed the previous imaging findings. Treatment with systemic antibiotics, NSAIDs, and ofloxacin ophthalmic solution led to resolution of the clinical signs within several days. Surgery was declined by the owner. CONCLUSION This is the first case report describing a blocked NLD due to an ectopic tooth in a dog. Ectopic teeth should be included as a differential diagnosis in cases of dacryocystitis and chronic epiphora in dogs.

Outcome and radiographic assessment of the development of osteoarthritis in 15 horses with rupture of collateral ligaments and joint instability in metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints

In this study, the long-term outcome and the development of osteoarthritis (OA) after collateral ligament (CL) rupture in metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints with either open or closed MCP / MTP joints was evaluated. Horses were included in the study on the basis of radiographic evidence of subluxation or luxation in stressed MCP / MTP joints in the dorsopalmar / dorsoplantar (DP) view. Horses were clinically and radiographically evaluated at first presentation in the clinc as well as at follow-up examination. Fifteen horses met the inclusion criteria. Lameness varied between 2 / 5 to non-weightbearing lameness. Three horses presented with a clinically severely instable fetlock. Opening of the MCP / MTP joint as consequence of associated wounds or lacerations was diagnosed in 4 horses. In 11 horses CL rupture without opening of the associated MCP / MTP joint was diagnosed (no wounds communicating with the MCP / MTP joint). Six of these horses were treated conservatively, 5 were treated surgically. Three months after admission 11 horses were sound at walk and trot. Three horses showed a grade 3-4 / 5 lameness. One of these was euthanatized 6 weeks later because severe OA had developed in the injured MTP joint. Another horse had been euthanized because of laminitis. In 12 horses long-term follow-up examination (9 months – 12 years) was possible. All horses showed radiographic signs of OA in the affected MCP / MTP joint. In 6 horses there was also mild to moderate OA in the PIP joint of the affected limb. 67% (n = 10) of the horses returned to be used for pleasure riding as prior to injury, 13% (n = 2) of the horses remained pasture sound, 20% (n=3) were euthanatized because of persistent lameness. The study shows the long-term prognosis of CL ruptures with open and closed MCP / MTP joints. In horses with chronic lamness after CL rupture in MCP / MTP joint the PIP joint should also be considerd as a potential source of pain.