ABSTRACTS FROM THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE EUROPEAN

ASSOCIATION OF VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING

Porto Carras, Chalkidiki, Greece

August 29–September 1, 2007

Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound, Vol. 49, No. 2, 2008, pp 196–219.

HEMODYNAMICALTERATIONSCAUSEDBY 3 TYPESOF INTRAVENOUSCONTRASTMEDIA INANESTHETIZEDDOGS

Pollard RE, Puchalski SM, Pascoe PJ. Department of Surgical and Radiological SciencesUniversity of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616.

IntroductionThe purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence of alterations in phys-iological parameters such as heart rate (HR) and peak systolic blood pressure (BP) associatedwith intravenous (IV) administration of ionic iodinated, non-ionic iodinated and gadolinium con-trast agents in anesthetized dogs.Materials and MethodsUC Davis SVM records were searched for dogs receiving IV ionic iodinated (Conray), non-ioniciodinated (Isovue) and gadolinium (Magnevist) contrast agents during anesthesia between 4/2005–4/2006. For both control and study groups, HR and BP were recorded at 5-minuteintervals for 20min. Baseline data for each dog was defined as the measurement immediatelyprior to contrast administration in the study group and 15min after the beginning of the MRI inthe control group. A � 15% change in HR or BP was considered a response. The percentchange from baseline was calculated for each time point.Results38/87 (44%) of dogs receiving Conray had a response in HR at 1 or more time points. 44/87(51%) of dogs receiving Conray had a response in BP. 4/17 (24%) of dogs receiving Isovue hada response in HR while 4/17 (24%) had a response in BP. 24/84 (29%) of dogs receivingMagnevist had a response in HR while 22/84 (26%) had a response in BP. 5/36 (14%) of controldogs had a response in HR while 7/36 (19%) had a response in BP.Discussion/ConclusionsAdministration of ionic iodine contrast agents is more commonly associated with � 15%change in HR and/or BP than control dogs or those receiving other contrast agents.

INFLUENCEOF IOHEXOLONTHEOUTCOMEOF I131TREATMENT INCATS

Vandermeulen E1, Bacher K2, Dobbeleir A1, van Hoek I3, Daminet S3, Vermeire S1, Pere-mans K1. 1Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medical Imaging,Ghent, Belgium; 2Ghent University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Department ofHuman Anatomy, Embryology, Histology and Medical Physics, Ghent, Belgium; 3GhentUniversity, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Clinical Biology ofSmall Animals, Ghent, Belgium.

Introduction Iohexol was investigated as GFR-marker to assess kidney function in hyper-thyroid cats. This study aims to evaluate whether administration of iohexol one day prior totreatment with radioactive iodine (I131) influences the absorbed dose and long-term outcome.Materials and Methods 43 hyperthyroid cats, presented for I131-treament, were included.GFR measurement using iohexol (64,7 mg/kg) was performed in 11 patients one day beforeinjection of I131. 32 cats received only I131 and functioned as control-group. The iohexol-groupreceived an average activity of 109MBq I131 (SD � 17 MBq); the control-group received onaverage 111 MBq I131 (SD � 16MBq). Scintigraphic scans were performed 24, 48 and 120 hpost-therapy. A syringe with known reference activity was scanned using the same parameters.ROI’s were drawn over the thyroid region, background and reference activity for all time points.Cumulative activity was calculated. A factor was obtained using MIRDOSE3.1 software con-verting the cumulative activity into absorbed dose, taking into account the thyroid volume.Results The mean estimated absorbed thyroid dose in the iohexol-group was 54 Gy(SD � 9Gy), which was significantly different from the control group: 84 Gy (SD¼12 Gy)(Po0.01). Of the cats that received iohexol, a higher percentage remained hyperthyroid (18%)3 months after treatment compared to the control group (7%). These results however did notreach significance (P40.1, w2-test).Discussion-Conclusion Administration of iohexol for kidney evaluation reduces absorbedthyroid dose of I131 but does not influence long-term outcome of feline hyperthyroidism in thissmall group.References1. Nygaard B, Nygaard T, Jensen LI, Court-Payen M, Soe-Jensen P, Nielsen KG, Fugl M,Hansen JM. Iohexol: effects on uptake of radioactive iodine in the thyroid and on the thyroidfunction. Acad Radiol 1998;5:409–414.2. Miyamoto K. Clinical application of plasma clearance of iohexol on feline patients. J Fel MedSurg 2001;3:143–147.3. Miyamoto K. Use of plasma clearance of iohexol for estimating GFR in cats. Am J Vet Res2001;62:572–575.4. Goy-Thollot I, Chafotte C, Besse S, Garnier F, Barthez PY. Iohexol plasma clearance inhealthy dogs and cats. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2006;47:168–173.

DOPPLERULTRASOUNDEVALUATIONANDMONITORINGOFGASTROINTESTINALHEMODYNAM-ICS INDOGSWITHCHRONICENTEROPATHY:ACLINICALSTUDY

Gudel AK1, Kircher P1, Allenspach K1, Gaschen F2, Doherr MG1, Lang J1, Gaschen L2.1Vetsuisse Faculty Bern, University of Bern, Switzerland; 2School of Veterinary Medicine,Louisiana State University, USA.

Introduction Distinguishing inflammatory bowel diseases by B-mode ultrasonography ispoor. The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate if food responsive (FR), steroidresponsive (SR) and protein losing enteropathy (PLE) can be differentiated based on Dopplerultrasound parameters and to monitor therapy.Materials and Methods The study group consisted of 37 dogs. They were grouped into FR,SR and PLE entities and graded clinically (CIBDAI) and by Doppler sonography at presentation,at four and 10 weeks after therapy initiation. Blood flow of the celiac (CA) and cranial mes-enteric arteries (CMA) was measured and the RI and PI values were calculated.Results All groups clinically improved within the first month. The FR group showed normal RIand PI values during the whole study compared to healthy dogs1, the SR and PLE groups,however, had significantly lower fasted RI and PI values (CMA-RI at t0: FR¼ 0.799 � 0.059,SR¼ 0.783 � 0.062, PLE¼ 0.779 � 0.063; CMA-PI at t0: FR¼2.282 � 0.526, SR¼ 2.1880.499, PLE¼ 2.174 � 0.523). After four weeks all groups showed normal flow pattern overtime (CMA-RI at t0: FR¼0.798 � 0.006, SR¼ 0.801 � 0.006, PLE¼ 0.794 � 0.007; CMA-PI at t0: FR¼ 2.386 � 0.521, SR¼2.399 � 0.561, PLE¼2.581 � 0.581). At 10 weeks, theFR and the PLE group remained normal.Conclusion We could demonstrate significantly different blood flow characteristics in dogswith SR and PLE before and during therapy, which correlated well with the CIBDAI. The FRgroup differed from the other disease entities in having physiological hemodynamic values pre-and post therapy.

1. Kircher P, Lang J, Blum J, Gaschen F, Doherr M, Sieber C, Gaschen L. Influence of foodcomposition on splanchnic blood flow during digestion in unsedated normal dogs: a Dopplerstudy. Vet J 2003;166(3):265–272.

ULTRASONOGRAPHYOFOVINECONGENITALPOLYCYSTICKIDNEYDISEASE

Owen MC1, Johnstone AC2. 1Veterinary Teaching Hospital; 2Department of PathobiologyInstitute of Veterinary, Animal & Biomedical Sciences Massey University, New Zealand.

IntroductionCongenital polycystic kidney disease (PKD) has been described in domestic animals andhumans in autosomal dominant (ADPKD) and recessive (ARPKD) forms. ADPKD is a diseaseof adult onset of Persian cats and Bull Terriers, while ARPKD is a disease of early onset inCairn and West Highland White Terriers, Persian cats, a goat and Coopworth and Perendalesheep. ARPKD of sheep is characterised by renal, bilary (intra- and extra- hepatic), pancreaticand epididymal ductal dysplasia and/or cysts. The ultrasonographic change in PKD in lambshas not been previously described.Materials and methodsIn-utero abdominal ultrasound (Philips HDI 3000, C8-5) of the foeti was performed on 25 in-lamb ARPKD heterozygote Perendale ewes that had been mated to two heterozygous rams.Two new-born lambs with ARPKD were also examined ultrasonographically.ResultsIn-utero ultrasound of the 10 affected lambs showed marked enlargement and distortion ofrenal cortex and medulla. A large number of 1–3mm hypoechoic cysts were spread diffuselythroughout the parenchyma. The renal pelvises were not identifiable. Abdominal ultrasoundexamination immediately after birth of affected lambs showed similar changes within the kid-neys but also marked cystic dilatation of the extrahepatic bile and pancreatic ducts.ConclusionsIn-utero ultrasound of affected foeti clearly identified renal cysts but not hepatic or pancreaticchanges. The hepatic and pancreatic cysts could be identified postnatally.

Johnstone AC, Davidson BI, Roe AR, Eccles MR & Jolly RD. Congenital polycystic kidneydisease in lambs. New Zealand Veterinary Journal. 2005;53(5): 307–314.

196

ANATOMICALSTUDYOFCRANIALNERVESEMERGENCEANDASSOCIATEDSKULL FORAMINAUSINGHIGH FIELDMRIUNITANDCOMPUTEDTOMOGRAPHY INTHEHORSE

Couturier LC1, Dennis R2, Degueurce C3, Gomes E4. 1Imagerie Medicale Veterinaire Azur -Private Imaging Center, Cagnes-sur-Mer, France; 2Animal Health Trust, New Market, UnitedKingdom; 3Ecole Nationale Veterinaire d’Alfort, Service d’anatomie, Maisons-Alfort, France;4Ecole Nationale Veterinaire d’Alfort, Service de radiologie, Maisons-Alfort, France.

The aim of the study was to determine the appearance of cranial nerves (CN) on MRI imagesand, when possible, to visualize their course through skull foramina and in soft tissues of thehead in cadaver horse head and alive horses. 3 alive horse MRI brain studies were reviewedretrospectively to assess the anatomy of CN emergence and associated skull foramina. Onehorse’s cadaver head was performed prospectively in thin slices (1 to 3mm slice thickness) tobetter assess the CN anatomy on MRI images (sequences: FSE T1 and T2W, 3D GRE T2�W,3D fast SPGR). All of these studies were done using high field (1.5T) MRI unit at the AnimalHealth Trust. Brain sections were obtained in transverse (perpendicular to the hard palate),sagittal, or dorsal plane without obliquity to allow a thorough comparison between studies and tostandardize the protocol. The alive horses studies were done pre and post contrast, usinggadolinium DTPA, to determine whether CN would enhance or not. Bone landmarks wererecognized on 2mm slice thickness CT scans, obtained with bone filter and window, on a normalhorse and on a cadaver horse. Anatomical landmarks of CN emergence were determined toallow an easier identification of each nerve. CN II, V (and divisions) VII and VIII were observedconsistently on standard studies (slice thickness 5mm). On thin slices study (cadaver head),emergence of CN IV, VII bis, XI and XII could be seen. The emergence of CN III, IX and Xwasn’t observed with certitude. On transverse sections, the perilymphatic space of the vestibule,the cochlea, the rostral part of the culmen of the cerebellum served as landmarks to locaterespectively the emergence of vestibulocochlear n., group of facial n. and intermedio-facial n.,and trigeminal n. the pathway and division of the trigeminal CN could be followed with con-sistency on all studies. On post contrast images, the trigeminal n. enhanced slightly; the othernerves remained unchanged. On dorsal sections, the optic chiasm was well visualised and thecourse of optic n. could be followed. On sagittal images, only the emergence of the V CN couldbe consistently identified. As in the dog, the interpretation of CN courses was found really difficulton dorsal and sagittal images, partly due to lack of anatomical references in theses planes.

Couturier L, Degueurce C, Ruel Y, Dennis R, Begon D. Anatomical study of cranial nerveemergence and skull foramina in the dog using magnetic resonance imaging and computedtomography. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2005 Sep-Oct;46(5):375–83.

ACOMPARISONOFFOURRADIOGRAPHIC SERIESFORDETECTIONOFFLUID INTHERABBITTYMPANICBULLA

Hammond GJC1, Sullivan M2, Posthumus J2, King AM2. 1University of Edinburgh, Royal(Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK; 2University of Glasgow, Faculty of Vet-erinary Medicine, Glasgow, UK.

IntroductionOtitis media in the rabbit may present with fluid in the tympanic bulla1. Radiographic detectionof fluid in feline tympanic bullae has been shown to be moderately sensitive 2. The purpose ofthis study was to determine which of four radiographic series was the most sensitive fordetection of fluid in the tympanic bulla.Materials and MethodsForty rabbit cadavers were used. Random tympanic bullae were filled with K-Y. The heads wereradiographed in three projections – dorsoventral (DV), rostro 40o ventral-caudodorsal oblique(R40oV-CdDO) and left and right latero 40o ventral-laterodorsal obliques (Lat40oV-LatDO) 3. Asingle computed tomography (CT) slice was made at the level of the tympanic bullae in eachhead. After imaging was complete, the CT scans were interpreted, with each tympanic bullascoring 1 if any fluid was present and 0 if no fluid was present. Radiographs were then groupedinto four different series (DVþ Lat40oV-LatDO; DVþR40oV-CdDO; R40oV-CdDOþ Lat40oV-LatDO; DVþ Lat40oV-LatDOþR40oV-CdDO) and each series was interpreted separately byboard-certified radiologists, using the same scoring protocol. After interpretation, results for theradiographic series were compared to the CT scans.ResultsThere was no significant difference in accuracy between the four series when compared to CT.the sensitivity of radiography was highest when all projections were used together. Specificitywas highest when only DVþR40oV-CdDO were used. This is thought to be due to inconsistentsuperimposition of soft tissue between the paired Lat40oV-LatDO radiographs. Conclusions: Acomplete radiographic series is advisable when investigating for otitis media in the rabbit.

1. Boydell P. Nervous System and Disorders. in: Flecknell P (ed.): Manual of Rabbit Medicineand Surgery. Gloucester: British Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2000;57–61. 2. Ham-mond GJC, Sulliva.

COMPARISONOFRADIOGRAPHY,ULTRASOUNDANDCTFOR IDENTIFICATIONOFFLUID INTHERABBIT TYMPANICBULLA

Hammond G, Posthumus J, Sullivan M, King A. 1Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies,University of Edinburgh; 2Division of companion Animal Studies, University of Glasgow Vet-erinary School.

Otitis media in rabbits may cause fluid accumulation in the tympanic bulla (TB). Diagnosis relieson clinical examination and radiography with little information available regarding other imagingtechniques. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of radiography, ultrasound and CTto identify fluid in the TB of rabbit cadavers. The TB of 40 New Zealand White rabbit cadaverswere randomly filled with ultrasound gel or left empty. Dorsoventral radiographs and a single1 mm transverse CT slice through both TB were taken. Ultrasound was performed by anexperienced sonographer and an undergraduate veterinary student who received training priorto the study. Each TB was recorded as being completely full or empty. the heads were sec-tioned to confirm their contents. CT Radiography Ultrasound A Ultrasound B Accuracy 100%(80/80) 87.5% (70/80) 97.5% (78/80) 97.5% (78/80) Sensitivity 100% (38/38) 92% (35/38)100% (38/38) 95% (36/38) Specificity 100% (42/42) 83% (35/42) 95% (40/42) 100% (42/42)Positive Predictive Value 100% (38/38) 83% (35/42) 95% (38/40) 100% (36/36) NegativePredictive Value 100% (42/42) 92% (35/38) 100% (40/40) 95.5% (42/44) CT agreed withsectioning in 100% of cases and therefore represented the ‘gold standard’. Although radiog-raphy is currently the most commonly used modality in practice, a dorsoventral view proved lessreliable than ultrasound. The results for both sonographers were similar suggesting this was aneasy procedure to learn. Further work would be required to determine if similar results could beachieved in live clinical cases of otitis media in the rabbit.

COMPUTEDTOMOGRAPHYPATTERNOFAURALCHOLESTEATOMA IN10 DOGS

Travetti O1, Greci V2, Giudice C3, Lombardo R2, Mortellaro CM2, Di Giancamillo M1. 1Facultyof Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Section of VeterinaryClinical and Experimental Radiology, Milan, Italy; 2Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Depart-ment of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Section of Veterinary Clinical Surgery, Milan, Italy;3Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Pathology, Hygiene and Public Health,Section of Veterinary Pathology.

Introduction Cholesteatoma, a serious complication of chronic otitis media, is an epidermoidcyst.Materials and methods Signalment, clinical signs, history, radiological exam, computedtomography (CT) pattern (1/1mm thickness/index, bone and soft tissue algorithm, before andafter intravenous administration of contrast medium), video-otoscopy, surgical treatment, mi-crobiological exam and histopathology of 10 records with final diagnosis of cholesteatoma havebeen reviewed.Results No breed predisposition, male predominance and average age about 6.6 years werefound. Most important clinical signs were otodinia, ear scratching, otorrhea and discomfortassociated to temporomandibular joint movement. The main CT patterns were enlargement ofthe middle ear edge, soft tissue density pattern of the middle ear cavity, characterized by absentor minimum positive enhancement after intravenous injection of contrast medium. Most casesshowed temporomandibular joint involvement and petrous bone erosion. Radiography revealedcloudiness within the middle ear cavity, sclerosis of tympanic wall and petrous bone. Video-otoscopy revealed a pearly or white/yellow scales growth coming out from the middle ear cavity.All dogs were treated surgically with total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy(TECALBO). Microbiological exams isolated Gram positive and negative; 4 samples were sterile.Histopathology was consistent with keratin debris in 4 cases, in the other cases a cystic lesionlined by multilayered keratinized squamous epithelium and containing keratin debris was present.Discussion-Conclusion Distinctive images obtained by CT scanning configure CT as themost sensitive tool for the diagnosis of cholesteatoma. Surgery is the only possible therapy.1) Cole LK, Kwochka KW, Kowalski JJ, Hillier A. ‘‘Microbial flora and antimicrobial susceptibilitypatterns of isolated pathogens from the horizontal ear canal and middle ear in dogs with otitismedia.’’ J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1998 Feb 15;212(4):534–8.2) Faye MB, Ba MC, Diakate IC, Hossini A, Renaux A. ‘‘Posterior cranial fossa abscesssecondary to cholesteatoma.’’ Rev Laryngol Otol Rhinol (Bord). 2006; 127(3):161–3. French.3) Gaurano JL, Joharjy IA. Middle ear cholesteatoma: characteristic CT findings in 64 patients.Ann Saudi Med. 2004 Nov-Dec; 24(6):442–7.4) Little CJ, Lane JG, Gibbs C, Pearson GR. ‘‘Inflammatory middle ear disease of the dog: theclinical and pathological features of cholesteatoma, a complication of otitis media.’’ Vet Rec.1991 Apr 6;128(14):319–22. Erratum in: Vet Rec 1991 Apr 27;128(17):403.5) Little CJ, Pearson GR, Lane JG. ‘‘Neoplasia involving the middle ear cavity of dogs.’’ VetRec. 1989 Jan 21;124(3):54–7.6) Magliulo G. Petrous bone cholesteatoma: clinical longitudinal study. Eur Arch Otorhinolar-yngol. 2007 Feb; 264(2): 115–20.7) Russo M, Covelli EM, Meomartino L, Lamb CR, Brunetti A. Computed tomographic anatomyof the canine inner and middle ear. Vet Rad Ultrasound. 2002 Jan-Feb; 43(1):22–6.8) Sharp NJ. ‘‘Chronic otitis externa and otitis media treated by total ear canal ablation andventral bulla osteotomy in thirteen dogs.’’ Vet Surg. 1990 Mar-Apr;19(2):162–6.9) Trojanowska A, Trojanowski P, Olszanski W, Klatka J, Drop A. Differentiation betweencholesteatoma and inflammatory process of the middle ear, based on contrast-enhancedcomputed tomography imaging. J Laryngol Otol. 2006 Oct 19; :1–5.10) Zelikovich EI. Computed Tomography (CT) of the temporal bone in diagnosis of acquiredcholesteatoma of the middle ear. Vestn Otorinolaringol. 2004; (5):28–32.

197ABSTRACTSVol. 49, No. 2

SPECIALCONFORMATIONOF THEFEMORALHEAD INTHEGERMANSHEPHERDDOG&ITS IN-FLUENCEONHIPDYSPLASIA

Wigger A, Tellhelm B, Kramer M. Small Animal Clinic, Surgery; University of Giessen, Ger-many.

SubjectOur study was developed to investigate a special so called broomstick-like femoral head andneck formation (BF) in the German Shepherd Dog (GSD). In a BF the femoral head shows thesame width as the femoral neck. Aims of our study were to determine the prevalence of BF; toidentify possible causes for this appearance by calculating the antetorsion angle (AT); to assessthe influence of BF on the development of hip dysplasia (CHD); to measure hip joint laxity bycalculating the distraction index (DI).Material and MethodsPelvic radiographs of 328 GSDs were included in our study. In 83 dogs a complete set of 5radiographs was obtained: a ventrodorsal view with the pelvic limbs extended (position I); anabducted ventrodorsal view (position II); a distraction view and two faux-profil views. Thediagnosis of a BF was based on morphological findings seen on radiographs in position I. Thesize of the femoral head and acetabulum were estimated in position I and II. Additionally the ATand the DI were calculated.ResultsA BF could be found in 55, 79% of GSDs. the size of the femoral head in GSDs with a BF wassignificantly smaller than in GSDs with ‘‘normal’’ formations. The size of the femoral head inposition I, the size of the acetabulum in position I and II, the DI, the AT and the official hip scoreshowed no difference between the groups.ConclusionSince the hip score in GSDs with BF was similar to dogs with normal formations and jointstability was slightly increased compared to ‘‘normal’’ formations it seems unlikely that BF is asign for hip dysplasia.

RELATIONSHIPOFCAUDOLATERALCURVILINEAROSTEOPHYTE,ARTICULARMARGINOSTEOPHYTEANDPUPPYLINE INTHEEARLYDETECTIONOFCANINEHIPDYSPLASIA: 91CASES

Adams WM, Risler A, Klauer JM, Keuler NS. University of Wisconsin, School of VeterinaryMedicine, Surgical Sciences (Adams, Risler, Klauer) and College of Agriculture and LifeSciences, Informatics in Biology (Keuler), Madison, Wisconsin, USA.

IntroductionOccurrence of a caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte on the dorsal femoral neck (CCO) hasbeen described as an early sign of canine hip dysplasia (CHD) in dogs. Another thin linearosteophyte along the articular margin, paralleling the physis of the femoral head (AMO), hasalso been described as an early sign of degenerative joint disease (DJD), associated with CHD.Also, a faint linear sclerosis, recently described as the radiographic ‘‘puppy line’’ (PL), has beenreported on the femoral neck, as an incidental temporary growth line that could be confusedwith a CCO. Incidence and relationship of these 3 lines have not been well characterized. Aretrospective analysis of hip radiographs of 91 dogs was undertaken to determine the predictivevalue of these findings in the early detection of canine hip dysplasia (CHD) and degenerativejoint disease (DJD).MethodsHip radiographs of 56 foxhounds (high risk for CHD, 22 Irish setters and Labrador retrievers(prone to CHD), and 13 Greyhounds (not at risk for CHD) were analyzed. Extended ventrodorsalhip radiographs were taken 4–7 times, from 8 or 16 weeks of age until one or two years of age.Results567 radiographs were evaluated. No greyhound had a CCO; 63% of foxhounds had it. Grey-hounds had a 61% and 28% incidence of AMO at 12 and 16 weeks of age respectively, butnone retained this finding at 26 or 52 weeks. The Lab/Irish setter grouping had a 31% AMOincidence at 16 weeks, which progressed to 44% at one year. Foxhounds had a 42% incidenceof AMO at 16 weeks of age, which persisted (39%) at 52 weeks and progressed to 72% at 104weeks. Greyhounds had a 67% and Labs had a 50% PL incidence at 12 weeks. Foxhoundshad an 86% and Irish setters a 59% PL incidence at 16 weeks. No greyhound had hip laxity orDJD at 1 year. Hip laxity/DJD was found in 45% and 66% of the Lab/setter group and foxhoundgroup, respectively.ConclusionsDetection of osteophytes in young dog hips is of questionable significance, as a high percent-age of 16 week old dogs not at risk or at moderate risk for hip dysplasia, had PL and/or AMO.CCO or AMO in dogs 6 months or older was significantly related to CHD and DJD at one and 2years of age. As PL and CCO occurred in the same location with similar appearance, CHD/DJDprognostication could not confidently be made based on that finding in dogs less than 6 monthsof age.

Morgan JP. Canine hip dysplasia: significance of early bone spurring. Vet Radiol 1987; 28:2–5.Powers MY et al, Use of the caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte as an early marker for futuredevelopment of osteoarthritis associated with hip dysplasia in dogs, JAVMA, 2004; 225;2: 233–237.Powers MY, et al, Femoral head rimming (FHR) as an early radiographic marker for futuredegenerative joint disease, Abstr Proceedings 30th Annual Conf Vet Orthop Soc, 2003.

FACTORSAFFECTINGWIDTHOF THECANINESTIFLE JOINTSPACE INNON-WEIGHT-BEARINGRADIOGRAPHS

Whatmough CI, Moores AP, Magalhaes RS, Lamb CR. The Royal Veterinary College, De-partment of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire,AL9 7TA, U.K.

Background/Aim Radiographs of joints of small animals are routinely made with the patientsedated or anesthetized and non-weight bearing; however, there is a lack of information aboutfactors that may affect the width of the radiographic joint space in non-weight-bearing radio-graphs. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the width of the radiographicjoint space in non-weight-bearing radiographs of canine stifles will be affected by patient po-sition, centering of the x-ray beam, and medial meniscal injuries.Methods A series of 15 caudocranial radiographs with variations in centering and positioningwere made of both stifles of two greyhound cadavers. Radiographs were repeated after each ofthree different surgical procedures: cranial cruciate desmotomy; type 1 medial meniscal tear;medial meniscectomy. The proximodistal radiographic joint space on medial and lateral aspectsof the joint was measured by a blinded observer. Data were analyzed using univariate andmultivariate techniques.Results One dog had significantly wider mean radiographic joint space than the other (1.0mmversus 1.5 mm, Po0.001). The mean radiographic joint space on the lateral aspect of the stiflewas wider than that on the medial aspect (1.7 mm versus 0.7mm, Po0.001). Medial rotation ofthe stifle resulted in widening of the radiographic joint space on its lateral aspect (P¼0.001),whereas lateral rotation of the stifle reduced the radiographic joint space on its lateral aspect(P¼0.004). Decentering of the x-ray beam had no significant effect on the width of the ra-diographic joint space. Manually applied stress on the medial and lateral aspect of the stiflesignificantly increased the mean width of the radiographic joint. Cranial cruciate desmotomywas associated with wider radiographic joint space (Po0.001) and medial meniscectomy wasassociated with a reduced radiographic joint space on the medial aspect (P¼ 0.002).Conclusion The radiographic joint space in non-weight-bearing radiographs can vary sig-nificantly between individuals and, although it is affected by iatrogenic stifle injuries, it should beassessed with caution when interpreting radiographs of patients with suspected stifle injury.

ULTRASONOGRAPHICASSESSMENTOF THECANINESCIATICNERVE

Benigni L, Corr SA, Lamb CR. The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Depart-ment of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United Kingdom.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to describe the ultrasonographic technique for investigation of thecanine sciatic nerve.Materials and MethodsFour canine cadaver pelvic limbs, two live healthy dogs, and five canine patients with suspectedperipheral sciatic nerve lesions were examined with a high-resolution linear ultrasound trans-ducer. The sciatic nerve was imaged from the dorsal aspect close to its origin to the point wherethe common peroneal nerve and the tibial nerve diverge near the stifle. In cadavers, thestructure identified as the sciatic nerve was injected with methylene blue under ultrasoundguidance. The injected limb was then dissected to examine the sciatic nerve and to identify dyeinjection sites.ResultsThe caudal part of the lumbosacral trunk and the origin of the sciatic nerve were visualizedthrough the greater ischiatic foramen. The two components of the sciatic nerve, commonperoneal and tibial nerves, were distinguished along the entire length of the nerve, until theybranched at the level of the distal femur. In healthy live dogs they appeared as two adjacenthypoechoic tubular structures with internal echotexture of discontinuous hyperechoic bands,surrounded by a thin rim of highly echogenic tissue. The common peroneal component had asmaller diameter and was on the cranial aspect of the tibial component. An ultrasonographiclesion compatible with a peripheral nerve sheath tumor was found in one dog.Discussion-ConclusionImproved understanding of the ultrasonographic anatomy of the sciatic nerve supports clinicaluse of this modality.

1. Silvestri E, Martinoli C, Derchi LE, et al. Echotexture of peripheral nerves - correlationbetween US and histologic findings and criteria to differentiate tendons. Radiology1995;197:291–296.

198 ABSTRACTS 2008

RECOMMENDATIONFORANOMENCLATUREANDCLASSIFICATIONOF THORACOLUMBARDISCHERNIATION INTHEDOG

Gruber E-M1, Katic N2, Trattnig S3, Kneissl S1. 1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, InfectiousDiseases and Clinical Pathology, Unviersity of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria; 2ClinicalDepartment of Small Animal and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria;3MR Centre of Excellence, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14,Vienna, Austria.

IntroductionPublished descriptions of herniated discs in dogs can be confusing because terms such asherniation, protrusion and extrusion have been used interchangeably. Moreover, the Hansenclassification originally relates to the specific pathomorphology of chondroid and non-chondroidbreeds (Hansen 1952). Recently a new scheme for morphological classification of thoraco-lumbar disc herniation (TLDH) in humans as either extrusion or protrusion has been proposed(Fardon & Milette 2001). The goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate this new clas-sification system in dogs with TLDH, to list potential differences of TLDH between the planes,and to identify minimum number of planes needed to establish the diagnosis.Material and MethodsCT and MR scans were searched for patients with TLDH (T9-L7) allowing a review in trans-verse and sagittal planes. Two radiologists were instructed to reach a consensus on the pres-ence of protrusion or extrusion in each plane and at each level according to the humanclassification. Protrusion was present if the greatest distance, in any plane, between the edgesof the disc material beyond the disc space was less than the distance between the edges of thebase. Extrusion was present when, in at least one plane, any one distance between the edgesof the disc material beyond the disc space was greater than the distance between the edges ofthe base. Medical records were retrieved for surgical or pathologic confirmation of TLDH.Results62 (36 MR and 26 CT) scans with a total of 73 TLDHs were retrieved that fulfilled the inclusioncriteria. The database included 61 patients (15 crossbreds, 22 other purebreds, 25 females, and36 males). The mean age was 6.5 years (range 2–13.8 years). The most frequent site of TLDHwas at T13 to L1 (20/73). A protrusion was present in both planes in 39 discs, an extrusion waspresent in at least one plane in 18 discs, and in both planes in 16 discs. TLDH was confirmed bysurgery in 42 patients, and by necropsy in 2 cases.DiscussionThe classification used in man can be recommended for a consistent reading of TLDH in thedog. Limitations are localisation of the disc contour and definition of the disc-spinal cord in-terface. Since lateral disc hernation can be potentially overlooked on sagittal planes, it isimportant to read and compare both planes.ReferencesHANSEN HJ (1952): A pathologic-anatomical study on disc degenerations in dog with specialreference to the so-called enchondrosis intervertebralis. Acta Orthp Scand, Suppl.XI.FARDON DF, MILETTE PC (2001): Nomenclature and classification of lumbar disk pathology.Recommendations of the combined task forces of the North American Spine Society, AmericanSociety of Spine Radiology, and Amercian Society of Neuroradiology. Spine 26, E93–E113.

MRIAPPEARANCEOF VENTRAL INTRASPINALCYSTSASSOCIATEDWITHTHE INTERVERTEBRALDISC INDOGS

Konar M1 Lang J1 Fluhmann G2 Forterre F3. 1Section of Clinical Radiology, Department ofClinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Switzerland; 2Section ofClinical Neurology, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, Universityof Berne, Switzerland; 3Section of Surgery, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine,Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Switzerland.

Introduction Ventral intraspinal cysts communicating with the intervertebral disc which com-press neural structures have been reported in people 1,2. These ‘‘discal cysts’’ are surroundedby a thin, contrast enhancing capsule and contain serous or serosanguineous fluid. They cancause similar symptoms to disc herniation and are diagnosed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) and/or discography. We present seven dogs with MRI-findings similar to discal cysts in people.Materials and Methods Clinical signs, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-, surgical find-ings of seven dogs and histologic findings (one dog) with intraspinal cysts associated with theintervertebral disc were reviewed.Results This disease process can be characterized by (1) clinical signs indistinguishable fromthose of typical disc herniation; (2) a ventral, extradural, round to oval mass lesion with low T1and high T2 signal intensity on MRI, compatible with a liquid-containing cyst; (3) which is inclose relationship to the intervertebral disc; (4) signs of degeneration of the involved disc onMRI.Discussion-Conclusion Seven cases of intraspinal cysts presenting clinical signs identical tothose of disc herniation are reported. Because all cysts were in close relation to the corre-sponding disc and the similarity of their MRI-appearance to discal cysts described in people, it isproposed to name this entity ‘‘canine discal cyst’’. Although the exact cause is unknown,underlying chronic disc injury may serve as a basis for cyst formation. Discal cysts should beconsidered as differential diagnosis for intraspinal extradural cystic lesions.

1. Chiba K, Toyama Y, Matsumoto M, Maruiwa H, et al: Intraspinal cyst communicating with theintervertebral disc in the lumbar spine: discal cyst. Spine 26(19):2112–2118, 20012. Kono K, Nakamura H, Inoue Y, et al: Intraspinal extradural cysts communicating with ad-jacent herniated disks: imaging characteristics and possible pathogenesis. AJNR Am J Ne-uroradiol 20(7):1373–1377, 1999.

SPINALDEFORMATION INCOMMERCIALLYCULTUREDATLANTIC SALMON:ARADIOLOGICALSTUDY

Sullivan M, Hammond G, Carerra I, Roberts R. 1,2,3University of Glasgow, Institute of Com-parative Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Glasgow, UK;4University of Idaho, Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station, Hagerman, USA.

Introduction Spinal abnormalities are a major economic loss to salmon producers, becausesuch fish are downgraded at processing. The underlying cause has not been determined, butgenetic, husbandry and nutritional factors have been implicated.Materials & Methods A radiographic study was carried out on 2016 random parr from sixfarms weighing between 55–100g. Eighty six fish from six marine farms were similarly studied.Mammography film and screens were used to obtain images of the parr. A standard fastscreen/film combination was used for sea-water fish.Results Radiographically detectable vertebral lesions were found in 4–11% of parr from thesix farms. the changes ranged from a single vertebra showing features such as demineral-ization, increased density, and slight loss of structure to fish with multiple vertebrae affected bycollapse, fusion and change in intervertebral space that could give rise to lordosis or kyphosis,or abnormal vertebrae at several locations. The predominant locations were V1–5, V22–27, andrarely V35 caudad. The radiographic changes in seawater salmon mirrored those found in parr.Discussion Very few parr were found to have abnormal vertebra in the peduncle area whichsuggests that the development of lesions at this location occurs de novo in the sea water phasegiven that stumpy fish are the most frequent reported deformity at slaughter. It was concludedthat minor vertebral change could be detected radiographically in many parr with no observableeffect on external morphology. Whether such minor radiographic alteration would proceed toobservable morphological change at slaughter weight is open to question.

Fjelldal P.G., Lock E-J., Grotmol S., Totland G.K., Nordgarden, U., Flik G. & Hansen T. (2006)Impact of smolt production strategy on vertebral growth and mineralization during smoltificationand the early seawater phase in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L). Aquaculture 261, 715–728.Helland S., Refstie S., Espmark A., Hjelde K., & Baeverfjord G. (1995) Mineral balance andbone formation in fast-growing Atlantic salmon parr (Salmo salar) in response to dissolvedmetabolic carbon dioxide and restricted dietary phosphorus supply. Aquaculture 250, 364–376.Kvellestad A., Hoie S., Thorud K., Torud B., & Lyngoy A. (2000) Platyspondyly and shortness ofvertebral column in farmed Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in Norway – description and interpre-tation of pathologic changes. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 39, 97–108. Michie I. (2001)Causes of Downgrading in the Salmon Industry. In: Farmed Fish Quality (ed. by S.C. Kestinand P.D. Warriss), p430. Fishing News Books, Oxford.Nordvik K., Kryvi H., Totland G.K., & Grotmol S. (2005) the salmon vertebral body developsthrough mineralization of two preformed tissues that are encompassed by two layers of bone.Journal of Anatomy 206, 103–114.Roberts R.J., Hardy R.W. & Sugiura S.H. (2001) Screamer disease in Atlantic salmon Salmosalar L. in Chile. Journal of Fish Diseases 24, 543–549.Wargelius A., Fjelldall P.G. & Hansen T. (2005) Heat shock during early somitogenesis inducescaudal vertebral column defects in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Developmental Genetics andEvolution 215, 350–357.Witten P.E., Gil-Martens L., Huysseune A. & Obach A. (2005) Compressed vertebrae in Atlanticsalmon Salmon salar: evidence of metaplastic chondrogenesis as a skeletogenic response latein ontogeny. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 64, 237–246.Vagsholm I. & Djupvik O. (1998) Risk factors for spinal deformities in Atlantic salmon, Salmonsalar L. Journal of Fish Diseases 21, 47–53.

ULTRASONOGRAPHICEVALUATIONOF VITREALDEGENERATION INNORMALDOGSANDDOGSWITHCATARACT

Labruyere Julien JJ, Dennis Ruth R1, Hartley Claudia C2, McConnell Fraser JF3, RogersKatherine K. Animal Health Trust, diagnostic imaging department, Newmarket, UK;1Animal Health Trust, ophthalmology department, Newmarket, UK; 2University of LiverpoolFaculty of veterinary science, diagnostic imaging department, Liverpool, UK; 3Animal HealthTrust, epidemiology department, Newmarket, UK.

IntroductionVitreal degeneration (VD) is common in dogs and is often seen with cataract formation. It maybe identified using B-mode ultrasound as multiple point-like echoes within the vitreous cavity. Asignificant association between cataract maturity and VD has not been reported, and thepresence of similar degenerative changes in eyes of normal dogs has not been documented.Materials and methodsTranscorneal B-mode ultrasonography with a 10 MHz phased array transducer was performedin two groups of dogs without knowledge of the ophthalmological examination findings. Thevitreal changes were graded by the same operator using a subjective pre-determined scheme(Grade 0: normal, Grade I: 1–10 echoes, Grade II: echoesohalf vitreous cavity, Grade III:echoes4half vitreous cavity).ResultsNormal eyes: Grade VD normal eyes Age group 0 1 2 3 Total 0–3 years 25 2 0 0 27 4–6 years25 2 1 0 28 7–9 years 18 12 0 0 30410 years 26 8 2 1 37 Total 94 24 3 1 122 Mild vitrealchanges were observed in 14.8% (18/122) with ophthalmological examination and in 23% (28/122) with ultrasound. Sensitivity and specificity of ophthalmological examination for detection ofvitreal changes were 72% and 98%. The incidence of VD in dogs aged more than 7 years was78% (P¼0.002). Eyes with cataract: Grade VD eyes with cataract Age group 0 1 2 3 Total 0–3years 8 17 7 0 32 4–6 years 7 13 4 6 30 7–9 years 21 20 18 13 72 410 years 23 31 19 11 84Total 59 81 48 30 218 VD grade increased significantly with the maturity of the cataract.Diabetes mellitus and congenital cataract were more frequently associated with lower grades.Cataracts associated with progressive retinal atrophy, negative electroretinography results andlens-induced uveitis were significantly associated with higher grades.ConclusionThe grade of VD has a significant correlation with various condition associated with the cat-aractous eye. Ultrasound is more sensitive than ophthalmological examination for detection ofmild vitreal changes. VD in normal dogs may be an ageing change.

199ABSTRACTSVol. 49, No. 2

DEVELOPMENTALORTHOPAEDICDISEASE (DOD) SCREENING INHORSES:WHICHX-RAYPROTO-COL FORWHICHHORSE?

Lepeule J1, Robert C2, Bareille N1, Valette JP, Jacquet S, Seegers H1, Denoix JM2. 1AnimalHealth Management Group, Nantes, France; 2Unite de Biomecanique et Pathologie Loco-motrice du Cheval, Maisons-Alfort, France.

Background Results of DOD X-ray screening enable breeders to decide early about thefuture career of horses and to prevent them from any worsening, to limit economic losses. Aimof the study was to assess the informative value of X-ray examinations limited to 2, 4, 6, or 8views, compared with an initial X-ray examination including 10 views (Denoix et al. 1995).Methods 395 horses from 3 breeds were included in a cohort study: 162 French Trotters, 99Selle-Francais, 134 Thoroughbreds. Horses were X-rayed twice at weaning and 18 months ofage on the front- and hind-limb digits, carpi, hocks and stifles. Radiographic findings (RF) ofDOD were classified depending on their location, nature, and severity graded 1, 2, 4, or 8(Denoix et al. 2000). Analyses were performed depending on the screening objectives: to detectDOD, only severe DOD (RF graded 4 or 8), only osteo-chondral fragmentations in foals (OCF).Results DOD prevalence was 71.4% for foals and 68.6% for yearlings. Severe DOD wasobserved in 9.8% of foals and yearlings, and OCF in 41.5% of foals. Selle-Francais horses werethe most affected. Reduced X-ray examinations differed depending on the breed. Regardless ofscreening objectives, breed and age of horses, a 6 views X-ray examination seemed to be thebest compromise between simplification and performance.Conclusion In order to realise a mass screening instead of a selective screening on fewhorses, the simplified and focused x-ray examinations are useful to adapt screening to thebreeders objectives, the breed and age of their horses.

Denoix, J.-M., Houliez, D., Moreau, H., Audigie, F., Robert, C., Blanchard, L., Perrot, P.,Bousseau, B., Busoni, V., Heiles, P., Tavernier, L. (1995) Pathologie osteo-articulaire juvenilechez le cheval - Etat actuel des recherches en France. In: Proceeding of 21eme Journee de laRecherche Equine, Institut du Cheval Paris 39–46.Denoix, J.-M., Valette, J.-P., Heiles, P., Ribot, P., Tavernier, L. (2000) Etude radiographiquedes affections osteo-articulaires juveniles (AOAJ) chez des chevaux de race francaises, agesde 3 ans: presentation globale des resultats sur 1180 sujets. Pratique Veterinaire Equine, 126,35–41.

RADIOGRAPHICCHANGESOFBONEAND JOINT INABNORMALDIGITSOFCATTLE

Abdolhamid MP1, Mohammad AS2. 1Clinical Sciences Department, School of VeterinaryMedicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran; 2Graduated in School of Veterinary Medicine, ShirazUniversity, Shiraz, Iran.

Introduction Early diagnosis of lameness allows for appropriate treatment of the affectedanimal and may prevent the lameness from developing into a more serious or chronic problemthat could affect the welfare and performance of the cow. Radiographic evaluation of bone andjoint disorders is an important part of the diagnostic work up for lameness. The lesions of boneand joint have been important because of increased confinement of animals. This study wasconducted to detect the bone and joint lesions of digital region by radiography in cattle withabnormal digits.Materials and Methods Ninty fours samples with gross abnormalities of digits (mainly hoofovergrown) were collected from Shiraz slaughterhouse, Shiraz, Iran. The samples werecleaned and then standard radiographs of lateromedial, dorsopalmar or dorsoplantar andoblique views were taken from each sample. Radiography was limited to digital region. Ex-posure factors of 10–20mAs, 65–80 kV and 70cm FFD were used.Results Various radiographic changes were classified as: osteomyelitis and periosteitis, al-teration bone density, soft tissue calcification, rotation of phalanges, deformity of bones, ar-thritis, degenerative joint disease (DJD), ankylosis of joint, displacement of navicular bone andfracture. Arthritis, periosteal reaction and displacement of navicular bone were observed mostlyin hind feet. Degenarative joint disease was observed mostly in forefeet. About 90% of arthritisand DJD were observed in distal interphalangeal joint. No radiographic changes were observedin about 10 percent of the samples.Discussion The bone and joint can be evaluated by different ways such as gross morpho-logical changes, arthroscopy, radiography and synovial fluid analysis. Radiography is an im-portant method for diagnosis of bone and joint lesions in lameness of cattle. This method iseasier than of other methods of diagnosis. It is also economic in cattle. The radiographicchanges usually can be seen well in chronic stages of diseases. In this study the affected bonesand joints were mainly in chronic stage. DJD is sequale of both traumatic and septic arthritis. Incattle the most common joint of the foot to be affected by infection is DIJ. The best way todiagnosis the osteitis and osteomyelitis is radiography. Prognosis and treatment of these le-sions are different and it is very important to make a distinction between them.ConclusionIt was concluded that the radiographic changes of bone and joint of the digital region areremarkable. Therefore this should be noted in diagnosis of lameness by radiography.References1. Bargai, A. B., Pharr J. W. (1989): Bovine radiography. Iowa State, University Press. pp: 35–50.2. Bargai, U., Shamir I., Lublin A., Bogin E. (1995): Winter outbreaks of laminitis in dairy calves:aetiology and laboratory, radiological and pathological findings. Vet. Rec. 131, 471–472.3. Chawla, S. K. (1998): Radiographic observation in foot disorderds of cattle and buffaloes.Proceedings of 10th International Symposium on Lameness in Ruminants. September 1998,Lucern, Swithzerland, pp: 314–317.4. Farrow, C. S. (1985b). The radiologic investigation of bovine lameness associated withinfection. Vet.Clin. North Am. (Food Anim. Prac.) 1, 67–81.5. Meimnadi Parizi, A., Raddanipour M. (2005): Radiographic findings of digital bones and jointsin lame cattle of Shiraz area. Iran. J. Vet. Res. 6, 54–58.6. O,brien, R. T., Biller D. S. (1996): Clinical applications of radiography and ancillary imaging.Vet.Clin. North Am. (Food Anim. Pract.). 12, 263–275.7. Pharr, J. W. (1985): Ancillary diagnostic imaging.Angiography, Ultrasonography, Scinti-graphy, and Xeroradiography. Vet.Clin. North Am. (Food Anim. Pract.) 1, 53–56.8. Trostle, S. S., Nicoll R.G., Forrest L. J, Markel M. D. (1997): Clinical and radiographicfindings, treatment, and outcome in cattle with osteochondrosis: 29 cases (1986–1996).JAVMA 211, 1566–1570.

VALUEOFPREOPERATIVEULTRASONOGRAPHYFORLOCALISATIONOFFRAGMENTS INTHEFETLOCK JOINTOF 24 HORSES

Vanderperren K1, Declercq J2, Martens A2, Saunders JH1. 1Ghent University, VeterinaryFaculty, Department of Medical Imaging, Merelbeke, Belgium; 2Ghent University, VeterinaryFaculty, Department of Surgery and anaesthesiology of domestic animals, Merelbeke, Belgium.

IntroductionRadiography is most commonly used for detection and localisation of fragments in the equinefetlock joint. However, the radiographic findings do not always fit with the arthroscopic results.This study was performed to evaluate preoperative ultrasonography (US) for localisation offragments in the equine fetlock joint.Materials and MethodsThirty-two joints of 24 horses with fragments or suspicion of fragments on radiographic ex-amination underwent an US examination before arthroscopy using a multi-frequency (7–9 MHz)linear transducer. US was performed standing (5 horses) or under general anaesthesia (19horses). The localisations of the fragments were recorded and correlated with the radiographicand arthroscopic findings. Results in all 32 joints, the localisation and amount of fragments onUS correlated with the arthroscopic findings. Thirty-seven fragments were seen with US and 36were removed with arthroscopy. In 1 joint, a fragment was located extra-articular in the proximalaspect of the joint capsule on US and this was confirmed with arthroscopy. In 6 joints, the USand arthroscopic findings differed from the radiographic findings. In 2 joints, the radiographicsuspicion of fragmentation on the dorso-proximal aspect of the sagittal ridge was not confirmedboth with US and arthroscopy. In 4 other joints, more fragments were visible with US andarthroscopy compared to radiography. On post-operative radiographs (31 joints), no fragmentswere visible anymore.Discussion-ConclusionUS is an excellent modality to preoperatively demonstrate the presence, exact location andamount of equine fetlock fragments.

ISTHEREAROLEFORORTHOPAEDICULTRASONOGRAPHY INBEEFCATTLE? ASINGLE-CENTRERETROSPECTIVESTUDY INBELGIUM.

Busoni V, Bolen G, De Busscher V, Cavrenne R. Faculte de Medecine Veterinaire - Universitede Liege - Departement des Sciences Cliniques des Grands et des Petits Animaux - Diag-nostic Imaging Section - Belgium.

IntroductionAlthough orthopaedic disease is a common complain in beef cattle, the role and the value ofultrasonography is currently unknown. The purposes of this study were to assess the frequencyof usage and clinical utility of orthopaedic ultrasound in beef cattle and evaluate the prevalenceand nature of the orthopaedic pathologies diagnosed by ultrasound.Material and methodsMedical records of 164 cattle referred for an imaging examination between May 2005 andDecember 2006 were reviewed. Cases presented for orthopaedic disease which received anultrasound examination were selected.Results137 bovine patients were referred to the diagnostic imaging unit for orthopaedic disease. 134were Blue Belgian cattle. The most frequently disclosed abnormalities (56,83%) were of in-fectious origin. Septic arthritis was the most common diagnosis (48,17%) followed by fractures(21,16%). An orthopaedic ultrasonography was conducted in 56 patients (40,67%). Ultrasono-graphy was mainly performed to confirm or exclude a synovial involvement in cases with localswelling and inconclusive radiographs or to assess thick regions which cannot be evaluatedradiographically. Increased amount of echogenic synovial fluid was the most common ultra-sonographic finding in calves with septic arthritis, tenosynovitis or bursitis. Meniscal damageand aseptic synovitis of the stifle were seen in adult bulls. in all 56 cases ultrasound was judgednecessary to decide the therapeutic strategy.ConclusionWhen radiographs are inconclusive or impossible to obtain in beef cattle, an orthopaedic ul-trasound examination is recommended as it can detect pathologies that will influence thetherapeutic strategy.

200 ABSTRACTS 2008

OF THENASALCAVITYANDPARANASALSINUSES INSTANDINGHORSES

Nasvall K1, Uhlhorn M2, Wattle O3. 1Hastsjukhuset Skara, atg Hastklinikerna AB, Skara,Sweden; 2University Animal Hospital, Section of Diagnostic Imaging, University of AgriculturalSciences, Uppsala, Sweden; 3Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Med-icine, University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.

IntroductionThe interpretation of radiographs of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in conventionalextra-oral radiography are complicated by the presence of overlapping structures. This studydescribes a computed radiography method of intra-oral projections of the paranasal sinusesand rostral aspect of the nasal cavity in sedated horses. Intra-oral projections have previouslyonly been described for visualization of dental structures and caudal aspect of the nasal cav-ity1–5. Materials and methods Skulls of four horses euthanized for non-dental reasons and foursedated standardbred mares were examined. Imaging plates (size 4–8 � 12cm) protectedwith thin sheaths of plastic were used for intra-oral projections. The plates were covered withwaterproof plastic bags and then attached to a stick for correct positioning in the oral cavity.Oblique projections of the left sinuses and dorsoventral projections of the left nasal cavity wereobtained. A positive contrast study was also performed in the cadaver specimens to confirm theoutlining of the rostral part of the maxillary sinus. Standard extra-oral projections were obtainedfor comparison. Results the rostral part of the maxillary sinus and surrounding bone septa couldbe visualized with the intra-oral technique. The caudal part of the maxillary sinus could not bevisualized. The nasal cavities could be visualised to the level of the third molar. Conclusion theuse of intra-oral projections of the nasal cavities and the rostral part of the maxillary sinusprovides good quality radiographs that could be a useful complement to conventional projec-tions.

1. Klugh DO: Intraoral radiology in equine dental disease. Clin Tech Equine Pract 2005, 4:162–170.2. Bertone JJ, Biller DS, Ruggles A: Diagnostic techniques for evaluation of the paranasalsinuses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 1993, 9(1): 75-91.3. Stilson AE, Herring DS, Robertson JT: Contribution of the nasal septum to the radiographicanatomy of the equine nasal cavity. J Am Vet Med Ass 1985, 186(6): 590-592.4. Lane JG, Gibbs C, Meynink S, Steele F: Radiographic examination of the facial, nasal andparanasal sinus regions of the horse: I. indications and procedures in 235 cases. Equine Vet J1987, 19(5), 466–473.5. Gibbs C, Lane JG: Radiographic examination of the facial, nasal and paranasal sinus regionsof the horse. II. Radiological findings. Equine Vet J 1987, 19(5), 474–482.

ACOMPUTEDRADIOGRAPHY TECHNIQUEFORINTRA-ORALRADIOGRAPHY INHORSES

Uhlhorn M1, N?swall K2, Wattle O3. 1University Animal Hospital, Section of DiagnosticImaging, University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden; 2H?stdjursjukhuset Skara,ATG H?stklinikerna AB, Skara, Sweden; 3Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Vet-erinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.

IntroductionRadiography is an important diagnostic tool in equine dentistry but so far the intra-oral tech-niques described are relating to conventional radiography 1–6. This study comprises computedradiography (CR) and intra-oral projections in abattoir sculls and sedated horses.Materials and MethodsSkulls from four euthanized horses and four sedated standardbred mares were examined.Specially made imaging plates sized 4–7 � 12 cm were used for the intra-oral projections. Theplates were put into plastic bags and taped onto a stick used for intra-oral positioning. Horizontalradiographs of the crowns and oblique projections including both the crown and the apex usingthe bisecting angle technique were taken of the left maxillary teeth 6. The imaging plates wereprocessed in a CR console with standard-sized cassettes.ResultsThe technique facilitates intra-oral radiology. However, teeth margins initially damaged theimaging plates. This problem was solved by putting protecting plastic sheaths into the plasticbags. The small difference in level between hard palate and the teeth made it hard to includethe margin of the alveolar bone on the horizontal projections of the crowns. The obliqueprojections including the entire tooth were technically difficult to perform in the caudal part of themouth due to the anatomy, especially if long roots, but were considered worth taking althoughsometimes as two projections since the teeth are imaged without superimposition of bonystructures from the opposite maxilla.ConclusionThe described technique is useful for evaluation of specific teeth and the imaging plates wereconsidered easy to use and handle.References1. O’Brien RT: Intraoral dental radiography: experimental study and clin- ical use in two horsesand a llama. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 37:412–416, 19962. Gibbs C: Dental imaging, in Baker GJ, Easley J (eds): Equine Dentistry. 2nd ed, London: WBSaunders, 2005, pp 139–169.3. Barakzai SZ, Dixon PM: A study of open-mouthed oblique radiographic projections forevaluating lesions of the erupted (clinical) crown. Equine Vet Educ 15:143–148, 2003.4. Gibbs C: the equine skull: its radiological investigation. Vet Radiol 15:70–7, 1974.5. Baker GJ: Some aspects of equine dental radiography. Equine Vet J 3:46–51, 1971.6. Klugh DO: Intra-oral radiology in equine dental disease. Clin Tech Equine Pract 4:162–170,2005.

BISECTINGANGLESFORINTRA-ORALRADIOGRAPHYINSTANDINGHORSESOFDIFFERENTAGES

Rubin Y, Lundstrom T, Uhlhorn M3, Wattle O4. Lundens Djurhalsa, Langas, Sweden;2Djurtandvardskliniken, Vastra Husby, Sweden; 3University Animal Hospital, Section of Di-agnostic Imaging, University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden; 4Department ofClinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences, Upps-ala, Sweden.

IntroductionThe bisectic angles technique has earlier been described as useful for equine intra oral ra-diology.1–2 However, when using this method there are some age related factors to consider.the purpose of the study was to find suitable age related bisectic angles for inclusion of both rootand crown on maxillary cheek teeth radiographs.Materials and methodsThe left maxillary cheek teeth of eleven standardbred horses, between 3 and 29 years old andsedated with detomidin

s

and buthorphanols

, were radio graphed with the bisectic anglestechnique. The angles were adjusted until the whole teeth were seen on the radiographs.ResultsIn horses younger than seven years, it was impossible to include the apex of the third molar onthe intra oral radiographs. For the rest of the teeth, we had to use the angels 451 between x-raybeams and teeth and 901 between teeth and imaging plate, or in some individuals even leaveout the technique and use 50/901 to achieve inclusion of the whole teeth. For horses betweenseven and twenty years of age, 40/801 was functional for all teeth, as were the angles 30/60 inhorses older than twenty. Due to difference in density and distribution of enamel, cementumand dentine in young horses compared to old ditto, a higher kV was needed for younger horses.Discussion – ConclusionExcept for the last molar, it was possible to get good x-rays of the upper cheek teeth in horsesof all ages using the bisectic angles technique.References1. Klugh DO: Intraoral Radiography of Equine Premolars and Molars. Proceedings, AAEP2003, New Orleans, LA, USA.2. Klugh DO: Intraoral Radiology in Equine Dental Disease. Clinical Techniques in EquinePractice 2005, 4 pp 162–170.

USINGMRI TODIAGNOSETOOTHRELATEDSINUSITIS INHORSES

Gerlach K, Reese S1, Gerhards H. Clinic of Horses;1Institute of Veterinary Anatomy I, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig MaximiliansUniversity Munich, Germany.

IntroductionSinusitis is a common disease in horses, without clear separation between primary sinusitis andsecondary sinusitis from a causal tooth. MRI poorly depict enamel, cement, dentin, corticalbone and intraoral air. However, bone medulla, pulp and parodontal space are easily viewed.This study assessed diagnostic significance of MRI in finding or excluding causal tooth sinusitis.Material and methodsEleven horses with chronic sinonasal diseases or with fistulas lacking a clear radiographic/clinically diagnosis underwent MRI. From six horses, MR images were acquired with a 1.5 Teslascanner, four cases utilized 0.5 Tesla. T1 and T2 weighted sequences were used in thestandard planes.ResultsIn two horses a diseased mandibular tooth was found, five had a diseased maxillary tooth, twoshowed fractures without disease, one case of sinusitis followed tooth removal, and one pre-sented with dentigerous cyst. Additionally, three diseased teeth showed a complete lack ordecreased number of pulps, in two cases tooth fragments were visible, and two horses showedhyperintense rims around the roots.DiscussionThe entire maxilla and mandibula, teeth and dental pulp were well depicted by MRI. Dent-igerous cysts and their relation to surrounding structures were clearly shown. While MRI pro-vides insufficient information of dental perfusion in human medicine, three equine casesdemonstrated direct relationship between MRI image and changed signal intensity of one ormore pulps.ConclusionsDental MRI provides a valuable tool for visualization and detection (or exclusion) of dentaldiseases in horses. Additional experience regarding changes in tooth pulp chamber is nec-essary.

201ABSTRACTSVol. 49, No. 2

WHOLE-BODYMULTIDETECTORCT INTHEDIAGNOSISOFMYELOMA-RELATEDDISORDERS INDOG

Bertolini G1, Borsetto A1, Furlanello T2, Caldin M2. 1’San Marco’ Private Veterinary Clinic,Padova, Italy; 2’San Marco’ Private Veterinary Laboratory, Padova, Italy.

IntroductionMyeloma-related disorders (MRD) are B-lymphocyte plasma cell tumors, including a wide va-riety of clinical syndromes represented by multiple myeloma (MM), Waldenstrom macro-globulinemia (WM), and solitary plasmacytoma. Clinical sings are related to hyperviscositysecondary to the high-level circulating immunoglobulin, to myelopathies (vertebral infiltration,fracture or extradural mass), and to hepato-spleno- renal involvement. Diagnostic criteria of MMinclude the radiographic evidence of osteolytic lesions. Skeletal radiographs are the gold stan-dard method in small animal and in human patients. Whole-body multidetector CT have beenrecently reported in humans as an alternative imaging technique in MRD diagnosis, staging andmonitoring.Material and MethodsWhole-body MDCT (Lightspeed-16 scanner, GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI, USA) wereobtained from dogs with known MM or suspected MRD. The number, site, and size of osteolyticlesions, the density of focal or diffuse medullary and extramedullary lesions were analyzed on2D multiplanar reformatted images, and related to the clinical diagnosis.ResultsTen dogs (9 MM and 1WM) were recruited for this study (8 male/2 female, median age 10years and median body weight 27 kg). Five dogs had multiple osteolytic lesions (4 thoraco-lumbar, 1 sternebral, ranging from 2,3 to 20 mm in maximum diameter), one had a singlelumbar lesion, and one had a rib lesion associated to large soft tissue intra-thoracic mass, andpleural effusion. Three dogs had an epidural spinal mass. Three dogs had lymphadenopathy.Six dogs showed organomegaly and/or hepatic-splenic lesions.ConclusionWhole-body MDCT is a reliable imaging technique in canine MRD diagnosis and clinical stag-ing.ReferencesRusbridge C, Wheeler SJ, Lamb CR et al. Vertebral plasma cell tumors in 8 dogs. J Vet InterMed. 1999;13(2):126–33.Mahnken AH, Wildberger JE, Gehbauer G et al. Multidetector CT of the spine in multiplemyeloma: comparison with MR imaging and radiography. AJR 2002;178:1429–1436.Horger M, Claussen CD, Bross-Bach U et al. Whole-body low-dose multidetector row-CT in thediagnosis of multiple myeloma: an alternative to conventional radiography. EurJ Radiol2005;54(2):289–97.Patel RT, Caceres A, French AF, McManus PM. Multiple myeloma in 16 cats: a retrospectivestudy. Vet Clin Pathol 2005; 34(4):341–52.Gentilini F, Calzolari C, Buonacucina A et al. Different biological behaviour of Waldenstrommacroglobulinemia in two dogs. V Comp Oncol 2005;3(2):87–97.MellorPJ, Haugland S, Murphy S et al. Myeloma-related disorders in cats commonly present asextramedullary neoplasms in contrast to myeloma in huma patients: 24 cases with clinicalfollow-up. J Vet Intern Med;2006:1376–1383.Vail DM. Plasma cell neoplasm. In Withrow SJ, Vail DM. Small animal clinical oncology. IV ed.2007; Chapt.31:769–784.Horger M, Kanz L, Denecke B et al. the benefit of using whole-body, low-dose, nonenhancedmultidetector computed tomography for follow-up and therapy response monitoring in patientswith multiple myeloma. Cancer 2007; DOI 10.1002/cncr.22572 [Epub ahead of print].

COMPUTEDTOMOGRAPHIC FEATURESOF THE INCOMPLETEOSSIFICATIONOF THEHUMERALCONDYLES

Carrera I, Hammond G1, Sullivan M. Companion Animal Clinical Science, University ofGlasgow, Glasgow, UK;1Hospital for Small Animals, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.

IntroductionIncomplete ossification of the humeral condyles (IOHC) can be detected by radiographic ev-idence of a radiolucent line in a 151 craniocaudal- caudolateral view. However, the lesion maybe missed when the primary beam is offset more than 51 from this projection. ComputedTomography (CT) is an excellent method to diagnose the presence of IOHC, where accuracy of100% can be reached. The aim of this study was to describe the CT features on affectedelbows and investigate the presence of a co-existing incongruency in the elbow joint.Materials and methods20 dogs with diagnosed IOHC by CT were included, 38 elbows were evaluated and 25 of themcould be reconstructed for evaluation of incongruency.ResultsIOHC was confirmed by finding either a partial or complete hypoattenuating area, extendingfrom the articular surface to the trochlear notch. Sclerosis of the adjacent bone to the condylardefect was found in all the cases. Coronoid disease was seen in 25.8% of the elbows affectedand degenerative joint disease, varying from mild to severe, was found in 80% elbows. Thisstudy also demonstrated that radio-ulna incongruency existed in 75% of the cases. The in-congruency was seen as an increase of the humero-ulna space at the level of the coronoidapex and at the level of the coronoid base.ConclusionThe cause of IOHC remains unknown. The higher prevalence in Spaniels breeds may suggesta heritable condition. The presence of elbow incongruency may be the underlying cause of thefailure of the ossification centres to fuse.

Butterworth, S. J., Innes, J.F. (2001). ‘‘Incomplete humeral condylar fractures in the dog.’’J Small Anim Pract 42: 394–98.Cockett, P. A., Clayton Jones, D.G. (1985). ‘‘the incidence of humeral condylar fractures in thedog: a survey of seventy-nine cases.’’ J Small Anim Pract 26: 437–44.Denny, H. R. (1983). ‘‘Condylar fractures of the humerus in the dog; a review of 113 cases.’’J Small Anim Pract 24: 185–97.Gemmill, T. J., G. Hammond, et al. (2006). ‘‘Use of reconstructed computed tomography for theassessment of joint spaces in the canine elbow.’’ J Small Anim Pract 47(2): 66–74.Gnudi, G., F. M. Martini, et al. (2005). ‘‘Incomplete humeral condylar fracture in two EnglishPointer dogs.’’ Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 18(4): 243–5. Kaderly, R. E., Lamothe, M. (1992).‘‘Incomplete humeral condylar fracture due to minor trauma in a Cocker Spaniel.’’ J Am AnimHosp Assoc 28: 361–63.Marcellin-Little, D. J. (1995). ‘‘Fractures of the humerus.’’ J Am Vet Med Assoc 206(6): 770.Marcellin-Little, D. J., D. J. DeYoung, et al. (1994). ‘‘Incomplete ossification of the humeralcondyle in spaniels.’’ Vet Surg 23(6): 475–87.Marcellin-Little, D. L., S. C. Roe, et al. (1996). ‘‘What is your diagnosis? Faint vertical condylarradiolucency, secondary to incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle.’’ J Am Vet MedAssoc 209(4): 727–8.Moores, A. (2006). ‘‘Humeral condylar fractures and incomplete ossification of the humeralcondyle in dogs.’’ in Practice 28: 391–97.Robin, D. and D. J. Marcellin-Little (2001). ‘‘Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle intwo Labrador retrievers.’’ J Small Anim Pract 42(5): 231–4.Rovesti, G. L., M. Fluckiger, et al. (1998). ‘‘Fragmented coronoid process and incompleteossification of the humeral condyle in a rottweiler.’’ Vet Surg 27(4): 354–7.

202 ABSTRACTS 2008

DETECTIONANDEVALUATIONOFCARTILAGEDEFECTS INTHECANINESTIFLE JOINT -- ANEXVIVOSTUDYUSINGHIGH-FIELDMRI

Flatz Katharina M, Glaser C, Reiser Maximilian F, Matis U. 1,4Department of VeterinarySurgery, University of Munich, Germany; 3Department of Clinical Radiology [M.R.I.], Uni-versity of Munich, Germany.

IntroductionMagnetic resonance imaging is the only non-invasive method of imaging the whole cartilage inthe stifle joint. The aim of our study was to develop an imaging protocol for the detection andevaluation of standardised cartilage defects using high-field MRI and to determine its limitations.Materials and methodsA total of 84 cartilage defects were created in the femoral condyles of 18 euthanized dogs. Thecartilage defects had a depth of 0.3 to 1.0 mm and a diameter of 1 to 5mm. T1- weightedFLASH-3D-WE-sequences with an isotropic voxel size and an anisotropic voxel size wereused. In addition to the measurements of cartilage thickness, the signal intensities, signal-to-noise ratios and contrast-to-noise ratios of the cartilage were evaluated quantitatively. Of spe-cial interest were the limitations of the identification and delineation of standardised cartilagedefects.ResultsOur results showed that cartilage defects as small as 3.0 mm in diameter and 0.4 mm in depthwere reliably detected using anisotropic settings. Furthermore, we found that for optimal de-lineation of the normal joint cartilage and of artificial defects, a lower in-plane resolution with alarger slice thickness should be used, similar to the anisotropic settings employed in this study.Discussion-ConclusionT1-FLASH-3D-WE sequences are adequate for the visualization of thin cartilage. For thedeelineation of larger cartilage defects, both the anisotropic and isotropic methods of imagingcan be used. Small cartilage defects, on the other hand, anisotropic voxel size was superior,even if signal and contrast to noise values were lower.

Glaser, C., et al., Optimization and validation of a rapid high-resolution T1-w 3D FLASH waterexcitation MRI sequence for the quantitative assessment of articular cartilage volume andthickness. Magn Reson Imaging, 2001. 19(2): p. 177–85.Assheuer, J. and M. Sager, Principles of Imaging Techniques, in MRI and CT Atlas of the Dog,J. Assheuer and M. Sager, Editors. 1997, Blackwell: Berlin. p. 228–247.Schuller, S., Magnetresonanztomographische Darstellung des Gelenkknorpels am Schulter-und Ellenbogengelenk des Hundes, in Lehrstuhl fur Tieranatomie I insbesondere systematischeund topographisch-klinische Anatomie. 2003, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat: Munchen. p.102.Imhof, H., et al., MRI of the cartilage. Eur Radiol, 2002. 12(11): p. 2781–93.Trattnig, S., et al., Imaging articular cartilage defects with 3D fat-suppressed echo planarimaging: comparison with conventional 3D fat-suppressed gradient echo sequence and cor-relation with histology. J Comput Assist Tomogr, 1998. 22(1): p. 8–14Hodler, J., et al., Knee joint hyaline cartilage defects: a comparative study of MR and anatomicsections. J Comput Assist Tomogr, 1992. 16(4): p. 597–603.

VALIDATIONOFTIBIALCARTILAGETHICKNESSMEASUREMENTSINANOSTEOARTHRITISRABBITMODELUSING 3DHRMICROMRI

Boulocher C1, Chereul E2, Langlois JB2, Armenean M2, Duclos ME1, Viguier E1, Roger R1,Vignon E3. 1UMR MA 3990. Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Lyon (ENVL), Marcy l’Etoile,France; 2UCBL (Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1), Plateforme Animage, Genopole Rhone-Alpes- France; 3UMR MA 3990. UCBL (Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1), Centre HospitalierLyon-Sud, Pierre Benite -France.

ObjectiveTo develop a quantitative non-invasive in vivo 3D High Resolution (HR) micro-MRI protocol tomeasure the Medial Tibial Cartilage Thickness (MTCTh) in the cranial cruciate ligament tran-section (CCLT) rabbit model of osteoarthritis and quantify the progression of medial tibialcartilage destruction.MethodsThe left knee of 10 control and 40 operated rabbits was imaged in vivo with a 7 Tesla MRIsystem at 3 and 5 months after CCLT. A 3D-FLASH fat-suppressed MRI protocol was im-plemented leading to a 44mm 3 isotropic spatial resolution. Macroscopic and histological eval-uations were correlated to MR-based MTCTh.ResultsMR-based MTCTh varied longitudinally and differently depending on the location. ‘‘Thick-1’’parameter was the thinnest MTCTh and was measured in the minimum interbone distancearea. At 3 and at 5 months, Thick-1 was significantly different between the normal and theoperated groups. It correlated with histological measurements (Po0.05 and r¼ 0, 68) and wassignificantly lower in OA rabbits than in control (Po0.0001). Thick-1 was the most sensitive tochange in the operated group (66.4% MTCTh loss, P¼ 0.003) while no significant changeswere observed in the control group. Among the 4 MTCTh, Thick-1 was the most discriminativebetween groups (Po0.05).ConclusionQuantitative 3D HR micro-MRI allowed non-invasive longitudinal MTCTh measurements in 4different locations in both the normal and the operated rabbits. The thinnest MTCTh (Thick-1)was measured in the minimum interbone distance area and was the most effective to measurethe progression of the medial tibial cartilage destruction.

COMPUTEDTOMOGRAPHIC FEATURESOFLUNGLOBETORSION INDOGS

Seiler G1, Schwarz T2. 1University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Depart-ment of Clinical Studies – Philadelphia, Section of Radiology, Philadelphia, PA, USA; 2Uni-versity of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of SurgicalSciences, Section of Radiology, Madison, WI, USA.

IntroductionLung lobe torsion is a potentially life threatening condition requiring surgery. It is thereforeimportant to accurately diagnose it using imaging techniques. Radiographic and ultrasono-graphic findings can be equivocal with pleural effusion and motion artifacts impeding assess-ment of the diseased lung. This retrospective study describes computed tomography (CT) asan alternative method to diagnose lung lobe torsion in dogs.Materials and MethodsCT examinations of 7 dogs diagnosed with lung lobe torsion were evaluated. CT protocol,findings and Hounsfield Units (HU) of normal, torsed and adjacent collapsed lung lobes pre-and post intravenous contrast medium administration were recorded and statistically analysedusing paired students t-test.ResultsSeven dogs were included. Affected lung lobes were: left cranial (3), right middle (2), rightcranial (1) and left caudal (1). CT findings in all patients included pleural effusion and anabruptly ending bronchus. In 6/7 enlargement, consolidation, emphysema of the affected lunglobe, and mediastinal shift to the contralateral side were present. Torsed lung lobes did notsignificantly enhance after contrast injection (HU difference 0.9 � 4.1, P¼ 0.42), whereasadjacent collapsed lung lobes (HU difference 82.3 � 15.1) and normal lung (HU difference39.6 � 3.7) did enhance significantly (Po0.05).DiscussionCT findings were similar in all dogs. Compared with imaging methods such as radiography andultrasound, an advantage of CT is the ability to better assess the course of the bronchi and todemonstrate lack of contrast enhancement in torsed lung lobes.ConclusionCT can be useful to diagnose lung lobe torsion in dogs.ReferencesNeath PJ, Brockman DJ, King LG. Lung lobe torsion in dogs: 22 cases (1981–1999). Journal ofthe American Veterinary Medicine Association 2000;217:1041–1044.D’Anjou MA, Tidwell AS, Hecht S. Radiographic diagnosis of lung lobe torsion. VeterinaryRadiology & Ultrasound 2005;46:478–484.

COMPUTEDTOMAGRAPHICANATOMYOF THETHORACO-ABODOMINALVISCERAOF THEGREYPARROT (PSITTACUSERITHACUS)

Ghadiri A. Shahid Chamran University, Faculty of Veterinary Medsicine, Department of ClinialSciences, Ahvaz, IranIran.

IntroductionThe main aim of this study was to obtain computed tomographic (CT) techniques and images ofthe thoraco-abdominal cavity and contrast enhanced CT of the gastrointestinal tract of Africangrey parrot (Psittacus eritacus). It seems there are few investigations about CT in this bird.Materials and MethodsFour healthy (based on clinical examination and radiography) grey parrots were prepared. Eachbird was anaesthetized and positioned for CT section. For sagittal, the bird was positioned insternal recumbency on the CT table symmetrically in right angle of table axis. For dorsal CTsection the bird was positioned upright on the CT table. In both section the axis of the bird was90 degrees to the table movement gantry. After that CT unit was set, prepared a digitalradiography and selected field of view and location of cross sectional slices, than contiguous 2to 5 mm sections were made. The window width and level selected properly and CT imageswere printed. For contrast enhanced gastrointestinal CT, solution of Iohexol was administratedand CT section were made as same as previously. CT images were studied carefully anddifferent viscera were recognized and labeled.ResultsIn sagittal and dorsal CT images of grey parrot visceral organs of the thoraco-abdominal cavitycould be seen clearly without any superimposition. In plain CT and CT with contrast enhance-ment of gastrointestinal tract the fallowing viscera could be diagnosed: trachea, syrinx, lung andvessels, air sacs, heart and great vessels, liver, spleen, crop, esophagus, proventriculus, vent-riculus, intestine and cloaca, testes and ovary, kidney.DiscussionIn CT images with contrast enhancement, the gastrointestinal tract could be distinguished betterfrom other viscera. There was no adverse reaction during CT section with and without contrastenhancement.

Ghadiri, A.R., Rashidi, S.H., Mohammadi-Landi, M. and Danesh-Zadeh, M.T. (2001): Methodsfor obtaining transverse, Sagittal and dorsal CT sections in the native mature chickens, Proc.8th Annual Scientific Conference of the ‘Europian Association of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging’(EAVDI)., Paris, France.

203ABSTRACTSVol. 49, No. 2

COMPUTEDTOMOGRAPHIC FEATURESOF THENORMALCANINETHYROIDGLAND

Taeymans O1, Schwarz T2, Duchateau L3, Barberet V1, Gielen I1, Haskins M4, van Bree H1,Saunders JH1. 1Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of MedicalImaging, Merelbeke, Belgium; 2University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Med-icine, Department of Surgical Sciences, Madison, USA; 3Ghent University, Faculty of Vet-erinary Medicine, Department of Physiology and Biometrics, Merelbeke, Belgium; 4Universityof Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, Philadelphia,USA,

IntroductionThis study reports computed tomographic (CT) features of the normal thyroid gland.Material and MethodsFifteen immature and twenty-five mature dogs of various different breeds were used.ResultsThe mean pre-contrast attenuation value in the immature dogs was 91.2 Hounsfield units (HU).The mean pre- and post-contrast attenuation values in the mature dogs were 107.5HU and169.0HU, respectively. The mean pre-contrast thyroid gland volume (both lobes combined)was significantly smaller (807.8 mm3) in immature dogs than in mature dogs (1148.0mm3).After intravenous injection of non-ionic iodinated contrast medium (600 mgI/mL), the measuredthyroid gland volume in the mature dogs significantly increased to a mean value of 1188.9mm3.The mean relative thyroid gland volume was significantly larger in immature dogs (136.83mm3/kg 0.75) than in mature dogs (87.83 mm3/kg 0.75). All thyroid lobes were considered homo-geneous on both pre- and post-contrast series. In a craniocaudal direction, the gland wasspanning a region from the 1st to the 8th tracheal ring and the right lobe was often positionedmore cranial than the left lobe. On transverse sections the lobe shape was ovoid in 70%, and itslocation was dorsolateral to the trachea in 85% of the dogs. Parathyroid glands could not beidentified and an isthmus, connecting both thyroid lobes, was only seen in one adult large breeddog.ConclusionConsidering the excellent visibility of the normal canine thyroid gland, we believe that CT can bebeneficial in the differentiation of thyroidal versus non-thyroidal neck masses.

USANDCT IMAGINGOFCANINEADRENALTUMOURS

Piola V, Rossi F, Vignoli M, Terragni R. 1,2,3,4Clinica Veterinaria dell’Orologio, Sasso Marconi(Bologna) – Italy.

PurposeTo compare ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) findings of adrenal tumours.Material and methodsUS (grey scale, Doppler) and CT (pre-, post contrast) findings of 11 dogs with adrenal tumours(7 left and 4 right) were reviewed. Size, shape, margins, areas of mineralization, vascularinvasiveness and suspected abdominal metastases were recorded. In 4 cases, the CT scanwas extended to the thorax.ResultsIn US, 5 lesions were round- to oval with well defined margins. 6 masses were difficult todifferentiate from the surrounding structures because of large size, indistinct margins andshadowing due to mineralization. In the post-contrast CT, all lesions were easy to delimitate, 7of them were round to multilobulated masses with distinct margins and 4 had more irregularshape and margins. Caudal vena cava (CVC) invasion was identified in 4 (US) and 8 (CT)cases. In 5 animals with large masses, there was uncertainty between vascular invasion orcompression in US. CT showed evident vascular invasion in 3 of these cases. Only post-contrast CT was able to demonstrate blood flow in the part of the lesion invading the CVC in 2cases, to differentiate between the mass and surrounding haemorrhage (1 case) and to showinvasion of the renal vein (4 cases). Suspected abdominal metastases were found in 3 (US) and4 (CT) dogs. In 3 of the 4 thoracic scans, disseminated lung nodules were present.DiscussionCT was superior to US to identify lesion shape, margins, presence of mineralization andvascular invasion. Only CT was able to differentiate between the mass and the surroundinghaematoma in one dog with a ruptured pheochromocytoma. CT is indicated for the pre-surgicalscreening of animals with adrenal masses.References1. Rosenstein D: Diagnostic Imaging in canine pheochromocytoma. Vet Rad & Ultr 2000;41:499–506.2. Besso JG, Pennink DG, Gliatto JM: Retrospective ultrasonographic examination of adrenallesions in 26 dogs. Vet Rad & Ultr 1997;38: 448-455.3. Bailey MQ: Use of x-ray-computed-tomography as an aid in localization of adrenal masses inthe dog. JAVMA 1986; 188:1046–1049.4. Phoa SSKS, Reeders JWAJ, Stoker J, Rauws EAJ, Gouma DJ, Lameris JS: CT criteria forvenous invasion in patients with pancreatic head carcinoma. The British Journal of Radiology2000; 73:1159–1164.

THEVALUEOFSCINTIGRAPHYANDRADIOLOGYFORTHEDIAGNOSISOF FRAGMENTEDCO-RONOIDPROCESS INDOGS

van Bruggen Leonie WL, Hazewinkel Herman AW, Wolschrijn Claudia F, Voorhout G, PollakYvonne WEA, Barthez Paul Y. Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Departmentof Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht, the Netherlands.

IntroductionThe diagnosis of fragmentation of the coronoid process (FCP) may be challenging in dogs.Radiology has been used to diagnose FCP in the past but lacks sensitivity. Bone scintigraphyusing 99mTc-diphosphonate has great potential to detect early bone activity related to FCP.The purpose of this study was to assess the value of bone scintigraphy compared to radiologyfor the diagnosis of FCP in dogs.Materials and MethodsBone scintigraphy and elbow radiographs were obtained in a group of 12 clinically healthyLabrador Retrievers and in 29 dogs presented to the orthopaedic clinic for thoracic limb lame-ness. All 24 elbows from the 12 healthy dogs were confirmed as being normal during necropsyand all 29 elbows from lame dogs were confirmed as having FCP during surgery. Radiographsof the elbows were evaluated blindly. Quantitative evaluation of scintigraphic images was per-formed to determine relative radiopharmaceutical uptake in the region of the coronoid process.Maximum relative uptake of the coronoid process in normal elbows was taken as a thresholdvalue to classify elbows with FCP as positive or negative.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity of scintigraphy for the diagnosis of FCP was 97% and 100%respectively when using combination of ventral and lateral scintigraphic views. Positive andnegative predictive value was 100% and 96%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity ofradiographic examination was 55% and 92% respectively.Discussion/conclusionBone scintigraphy appears to be a better imaging modality than radiology for the diagnosis ofFCP in dogs.

ACCURACYOFULTRASONOGRAPHYFORTHEDIAGNOSISOFFRAGMENTEDCORONOIDPRO-CESS INDOGS

Seyrek Intas D, Michele U, Gerwing M, Kramer M. Justus-Liebig University, Small AnimalClinic (Surgery), Giessen/Germany.

IntroductionOne of the most common developmental disorders of the canine elbow joint is the fragmentedmedial coronoid process (FMCP) of the ulna. After clinical examination survey radiographyprovides information about the bony structures but details of soft tissue pathology are usuallynot visible radiographically. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) have been recommended as accurate and especially useful when radiographic findingsare inconclusive (1,2,5). The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of ultrasono-graphy (US) in detecting FMCP.Materials and MethodsCubital joints from 112 dogs suspected of having FMCP were examined ultrasonographicallyaccording to a standard imaging protocol (3,4) by use of 8–12MHz linear array probe. Thepresence of a fragmentation/fissure or deformation of the coronoid process (CP), thickening ofthe joint capsule, joint effusion and secondary new bone formation were assessed sonograph-ically and compared with intraoperative findings.ResultsAt surgery, 45.5% of the joints had FMCP (free), 49.1% had nondisplaced CP, and 5.4% wereintact. 36.9% of the joints had wear lesions of the medial aspect of the humeral condyle. Onultrasonography, FMCP was visualized in 30.4% of the joints. Deformation of the CP wasobserved in 39.2% of intraoperatively free and 63.6% of nondisplaced CP. At least one sec-ondary lesion was detected in 85.6%.Discussion-ConclusionUS was useful in detecting fragmented free CP as well as secondary lesions. This imagingmodality can provide additional information in cases of uncertain radiographic findings andwhen CT and MRI are not available or applicable.

1. Carpenter LG, Schwarz PD, Lowry JE, Park RD, Steyn PF. Comparison of radiologic imagingtechniques for diagnosis of fragmented medial coronoid process of the cubital joint in dogs.J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1993; 203(1): 78–83.2. De Rycke LM, Gielen IM, van Bree H, Simoens PJ Computed tomography of the elbow jointin clinically normal dogs. Am J Vet Res. 2002; 63(10): 1400–7.3. Knox VW 4th, Sehgal CM, Wood AK Correlation of ultrasonographic observationswith anatomic features and radiography of the elbow joint in dogs. Am J Vet Res. 2003;64(6): 721–6.4. Lamb CR, Wong K. Ultrasonographic anatomy of the canine elbow. Vet Radiol Ultrasound.2005; 46(4): 319–25.5. Snaps FR, Balligand MH, Saunders JH, Park RD, Dondelinger RF Comparison of radiog-raphy, magnetic resonance imaging, and surgical findings in dogs with elbow dysplasia. Am JVet Res. 1997; 58(12): 1367–70.

204 ABSTRACTS 2008

WILLFRUSEMIDEADMINISTEREDTOHORSESPRIORTOSCINTIGRAPHICEXAMINATIONSRE-DUCETHERADIATIONDOSERATE?

Erichsen C1, Eksell P2, Falck-Andersen H3, L�nning M3, Bj�rnstad A3. 1Norwegian School ofVeterinary Science, Radiology section, Oslo; 2XL Vet, Orbyhus, Sweden; 3Private practice,Norway.

IntroductionThe radiation dose rate from horses that undergo scintigraphy has been claimed to be reducedafter administration of frusemide, although there are no published data to support this. Thepurpose of this study was to determine if administration of frusemide prior to scintigraphicexaminations reduce the radiation dose rate at 2 and 24 h post injection.Material and MethodsThirty-eight horses referred to the Nowegian School of Veterinary Science for scintigraphicexaminations from march 2006 were included in the study. All horses were injected with 99mTc-HDP (9–12MBq/kg bodyweight) and divided into two groups. Twenty horses were given fruse-mide i.v. (140–180 mg) one hour after injection of the radiopharmaceutical, and eighteen horsesserved as a control group. A calibrated radiation detector� was used to register the radiationdose rate during 30min approximately 2 and 24 h after injection of the radiopharmaceutical. Allmeasurements were corrected for time so that the time of measurement could be related to theSv/hour. Minimum level of m corresponding time of injection and converted into 0.05.ResultsThe radiation dose rate did not o significance was set to p significantly change with admin-istration of frusemide one hour after the injection of 99mTc-HDP, and horses with higherbodyweight had significantly lower radiation dose rate compared to lighter horses. All resultswere normally distributed.ConclusionsThese preliminary results indicate that administration of frusemide does not reduce the radiationdose rate at 2 and 24 h after injection. Administration of frusemide will increase the risk ofradioactive contamination due to urination, therefore administration of frusemide should only berecommended when pelvic imaging is performed.

�Mini-Radiac, Personal Radiation Monitoring Device (AN/UDR-13), Canberra

‘‘WHOLELEG’’UPTAKEONTHEBONESCINTIGRAMOF THELAMEDOG

Peremans K, Van Caelenberg A, Vandermeulen E, Vermeire S, van Bree H. Faculty ofveterinary Medicine, Medical Imaging Department.

IntroductionA retrospective analysis of scintigrams was performed to investigate the prevalence of in-creased uptake in the whole lame leg in dogs presented for occult lameness. Association withage, duration and degree of lameness, type of joint and final diagnosis were investigated.Materials and methodsPatients with a final diagnosis (with other imaging modalities and/or arthroscopy) were included(N¼ 49). Twenty dogs showed diffuse increased uptake in bones and joints on the lame limbwith or without focal uptake in the affected joint/bone. The association between whole legperfusion and other descriptive and functional characteristics was statistically evaluated usingFisher’s exact test.ResultsIn 17 dogs diffuse increased uptake was visible along with a distinct focal ‘‘hot-spot’’. In 3 casesonly diffuse pronounced whole leg uptake was noted. In these cases, lameness was attributedto a neurological problem, in 1 dog accompanied by a lung mass. The only association foundbetween increased whole leg uptake and different variables, was age.DiscussionThis diffuse ‘‘whole leg’’ uptake may be due to disuse bone remodelling phenomena or tovascular tone alterations. A specific syndrome is recognised in human medicine: ‘‘ReflexSympathetic Dystrophy’’. Commonly related to previous trauma it is also found in connectionwith various other causes (eg lung neoplasms.). The vascular tone alterations are presumablythe result of sympathetic instability.ConclusionIncreased uptake in the whole lame leg is mostly found in older dogs and distinct increaseduptake without focal increased uptake in joints/bones, may be an indication of neurologicalpathology.

Bone scintigraphy in the investigation of occult lameness in the dog. Schwarz et al, J Small AnPract, 2004 Interobserver reproducibility in the interpretation of bone scans from patients sus-pected of having reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Tondeur et al, Clin Nucl med, 2005 Pancoasttumour as a cause of reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Derbekyan et al, JNM, 1993

COMPATIBILITYBETWEENABDOMINALRADIOGRAPHICDIAGNOSES,ANDTHESURGICALORPOSTMORTEMFINDINGS INDOGSANDCATS (A10-YEARRETROSPECTIVESTUDY)

Uri B. The Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Introduction The abdomen is the most complicated area in the body to diagnose radio-graphically as the anatomical structures are superimposed in any view. Ultrasound equipmentis not available in most of the small animal practices in Israel, due to its cost and the specialtyneeded to make a correct diagnosis. Thus a retrospective study of the cases of radiographicabdominal diagnosis with surgical or PM findings was undertaken, in order to evaluate thedegree of the compatibility of abdominal radiographic diagnoses with the surgical and P.Mfindings. No such studies were found in the literature. A valid study of this problem in privatepractices is improper since the variables between veterinarians are so great that the conclu-sions can not be valid. In a university hospital, in which professional personnel is equal andequipment is constant, such a study is considerably more valid.Material and Methods During the years 1990–2000 there were 89 case records at theteaching hospital of the Koret school of Veterinary Medicine, in which radiographic diagnosisand surgical or PM findings were present. Incidentally, of those 44 were males and 44 femalesand in one case the sex was not specified. The comparison between the diagnosis and thefindings was classified into 3 categories: full compatibility, partial compatibility and lack ofcompatibility. Partial compatibility was defined as a diagnosis pointing to the nature and theorgan or vicinity of the organ where the problem was present, such as ‘‘a soft tissue massadjacent to the right kidney’’.Results Full compatibility - 55 cases (61.8%), partial compatibility -13 cases (14.7%) and nocompatibility - 21 cases (23.5%).Discussion The total number of cases in this study is small, but does enable reliable con-clusions, based on the fact that during the 10 year period, the staff of radiologists in the ImagingDept. of the hospital was fairly stable, and no changes were made in the equipment. This studyproved that abdominal radiography has severe limitations if it is the sole imaging modality used.Partial compatibility is also a great help to the practitioner in deciding about the future course oftherapy (medical or surgical) or whether to resort to further means of diagnosis. In about 76% ofthe clinical cases with suspected abdominal problems the practitioner does not have to referimmediately to ultrasonography before using radiography. X ray equipment is still the first line ofdiagnosis media for small animal practices.

RADIOGRAPHICFINDINGSOFPULMONARYMETASTASIS FROMCANINEMAMMARYGLANDTU-MORS:ATWO-YEARFOLLOW-UPSTUDY

Baptista CS, Martins LRL, Santos JT, Frias C, Ribeiro JR, Matos AJF. Institute of BiomedicalSciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sci-ences, Porto, Portugal.

Introduction Mammary gland tumours (MGT) are the most common neoplasms in humansand canines. Radiology has traditionally been considered the elective diagnostic procedure todetect pulmonary lesions. the purpose of this study was to contribute to the radiographiccharacterization of canine MGT pulmonary metastasis (PM).Materials and Methods 121 bitches, bearing 367 mammary gland masses, were enrolled ina post-operative follow-up study that included three-view thoracic radiographies at presentation,3 weeks and every 3 months after surgery for 2 years or till death of the animals. Excisedtumours were histologically classified according to the WHO guidelines.Results Histologically, 72(59.5%) bitches exhibited at least one malignant tumour from which15(20.8%) were radiographically noted or suspected to have PM. Eleven of these animals(73.3%) were necropsied and all had histologically confirmed MGT pulmonary metastases. Thisgroup was considered for radiographic evaluation. All animals presented sharply-defined nod-ules/masses, without pleural effusion, that were multiple in 6/11 patients, single in 3/11 andmiliar in 2/11. Sizes ranged o0.5–8 cm. In 7/11 animals the nodules were primarily located inthe caudal lung lobes (4 left, 3 right), 2/11 in the middle and 5/11 in the accessory. Sternal andcranial mediastinal lymphadenopathy was noted in 1/11 case. Doubling times ranged from 32–114 days in 7 animals.Discussion and conclusion Although thoracic CT seems more sensitive than thoracic ra-diography for evaluation of PM, survey radiography is faster, more cost-effective and does notrequire general anaesthesia. In early stages, the most common radiographic pulmonary met-astatic pattern of canine MGT is characterized by multiple, well-circumscribed nodular opacities,predominantly located in the accessory and caudal lung lobes.ReferencesBech-Nielsen S, Reif JS, Brodey RS (1976). The use of tumor doubling time in veterinaryclinical oncology. Veterinary Radiology 17:113–116.Crow J, Slavin G, Kreel L (1981). Pulmonary metastasis: a pathologic and radiologic study.Cancer 47:2595–2602.Forrest LJ (1995). Oncologic applications of diagnostic imaging techniques. in: VeterinaryClinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 25(1): 185–205.Kealy JK, McAllister H (2005). The thorax. In: Diagnostic Radiology & Ultrasonography of thedog and cat. 4th Edition. Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis: pp 210–213.Kumaraguruparan R, Prathiba D, Nagini S (2006). Of humans and canines: Immunohisto-chemical analysis of PCNA, Bcl-2, p53, cytokeratin and ER in mammary tumours. Research inVeterinary Science 81: 218–224.Miles KG, Lattimer JC, Jergens AE, Krause GF (1990). A retrospective evaluation of theradiographic evidence of pulmonary metastatic disease on initial presentation in the dog. Vet-erinary Radiology 31(2): 79–82.Nemanic S, London CA, Wisner ER (2006). Comparison of thoracic radiographs and singlebreath-hold helical CT for detection of pulmonary nodules in dogs with metastatic neoplasia.Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 20(3):508–15. http://www.chestx-ray.com/SPN/Dou-blingTime.html

205ABSTRACTSVol. 49, No. 2

POSTMORTEMABDOMINALRADIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS INCATCARCASSES

Heng Hock G12, Teoh Wen T2, Sheikh-Omar AR2. 1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sci-ences, Purdue University; 2Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

IntroductionIn humans, post mortem investigation using diagnostic imaging modalities prior to autopsydetected gas in hepatic portal venous due to gastrointestinal distension (Shiotani et al 2004),cardiovascular system secondary to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (Shiotani et al 2005), andmediastinum and soft tissue in cadavers of hanged person (Aghayev et al 2005). Post mortemradiograph of a cat that died after cardiopulmonary resuscitation revealed presence of air in theheart, abdominal caudal vena cava, hepatic veins, renal veins and renal capsule veins (Ober etal 2006). There is limited literature in forensic radiology of veterinary medicine. This study wasconducted to document the incidence of gas accumulation and its distribution in the abdomen ofcat carcasses.Material and methodsForty-one stray cat carcasses obtained from two animal shelters after scheduled euthanasiawere used. Carcasses were kept in a cool room before the abdominal radiographs. Left lateraland ventrodorsal abdominal radiographs were performed within 12 h of death. The radiologicalfindings were noted.ResultsGas was detected in 11 out of 41 carcasses (27%). Hepatic portal venous gas was detected inall these 11 carcasses. Gas in the aorta was seen in 4 out of these 11 carcasses. Gas waspresent in the entire abdominal aorta and the femoral arteries in three carcasses, and in thecranial abdominal aorta in one carcass. Gas was present in portal or mesenteric vein in 5carcasses and intra-parenchyma splenic vein and/or artery in 2 carcasses.DiscussionThis study shows that gas accumulation in the abdominal veins and arteries is a normal post-mortem change. It may not necessarily secondary to pathology of the gastrointestinal tract orcardiopulmonary resuscitation.ReferencesE. Aghayev, K. Yen, M. Sonnenschein, C. Jackowski, M. Thali, P. Vock, R. Dirnhofer.Pneumomediastinum and soft tissue emphysema of the neck in postmortem CT and MRI; anew vital sign in hanging? Forensic Science International 2005;153:181–188.Ober CP, Spotswood TC, Hancock R. Fatal Venous Air Embolism in a Cat with a Retropha-ryngeal Diverticulum. Vet Rad Ultrasound 2006;47:153–158.Shiotani S, Kohno M, Ohashi N, Yamazaki K, Nakayama H, Watanabe K. Postmortem Com-puted Tomographic (PMCT) Demonstration of the Relation between Gastrointestinal Distensionand Hepatic Portal Venous Gas (HPVG). Radiation Medicine 2004;22:25–29.Shiotani S, Kohno M, Ohashi N, Atake S, Yamazaki K, Nakayama H. Cardiovascular Gas onNon-traumatic Postmortem Computed Tomography (PMCT): the Influence of CardiopulmonaryResuscitation. Radiation Medicine 2005;23:225–229.

RADIOGRAPHICANDULTRASONOGRAPHIC FEATURESOFHEMIPENES INSNAKESEXDETERMINATION

Gnudi G1, Di Ianni F2, Volta A1, Bonazzi M1, Parmigiani E2, Bertoni G1. Universita di Parma,Dipartimento di Salute Animale;1Sez. di Radiologia e D.I.; 2Sez. di Clinica Ostetrica, Parma, Italy.

IntroductionUltrasonography is considered a good method in the identification of the hemipenes (1). thepurpose of this paper is to characterize the ultrasonographic and radiographic features of thehemipenes in male snake and to discuss the two diagnostic imaging modalities for their iden-tification.Materials and MethodsA group of 14 snakes identified male by means of ultrasonography (US) were considered. Thesnakes were then examined radiographically. Ultrasonographic and radiographic features ofhemipenes were discussed. A 10 MHz linear transducer was considered, performing longitu-dinal, transverse and dorsal scans. Radiographic visualization of hemipenes was performedintroducing into the cloacae 0.1–0.5ml positive iodinated non ionic contrast medium.ResultsThe radiographic appearance of the hemipenis filled by positive contrast medium appeared asfunnel shaped sometimes curved opaque shadow pointing caudally just caudal to the cloaca. Insome cases where probably the hemipenis was filled by seminal fluid and cellular debris(seminal plugs), the contrast medium just delineate its shadow along its wall. The inner profile ofthe hemipenes was variable possibly related to the species. Sonographically, hemipenes ap-peared funnel shaped with an echogenic thin wall and ipo- to anechoic contents. Radiographicexamination in three cases did not manage to outline the hemipenes.Discussion/ConclusionUltrasonography and radiology represent two good methods for the identification of hemipenesin snake sex determination. Radiology may determine false negative results due to poor dis-tribution of contrast medium within the hemipenes.ReferencesBoyd JS, Paterson MP, Dickie A: Ultrasound studies of reproductive events in some reptilia. VetRad & Ultr, 37, 6, 487, 1996.

EVALUATIONOFANEWBIOPSYDEVICE (‘‘SPIROTOME’’) ONFRESHCANINEORGANS:LIVER,SPLEENANDKIDNEYS

Barberet V1, Chiers K2, Duchateau L3, Saunders JH1. 1Medical imaging; 2Pathology;3Physiology and Biometrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium.

IntroductionUltrasound-guided biopsies of the liver, spleen and kidneys are commonly performed. However,the results are sometimes unsatisfactory 1, 2. The aim of this study was (1) to make anevaluation of a new biopsy device (‘‘Spirotome’’�) on the liver, spleen and kidney and (2) tocompare it with another device (‘‘Tru-cut’’) commonly used for abdominal biopsy in the dog.MethodsTwo biopsies were performed with each device on the liver, spleen (both devices: 14 Ga,‘‘Spirotome’’: cutting length of 18mm, ‘‘Tru-cut’’: cutting length of 20mm) and kidneys (bothdevices: 16 Ga, cutting length of 20mm) of 10 fresh canine cadavers. All the samples weremeasured (length, width and area). Criteria for the hepatic samples were the presence of bilecanaliculi and hepatocytes, number of centrolobular veins and portal ducts per section. Criteriafor the splenic samples were the presence of hemorrhage, capsule, white and red pulp. Criteriafor the renal samples were the presence of cortex and medulla, number of glomeruli persection.ResultsAll the measurements were significantly larger with the ‘‘Spirotome’’ than with the ‘‘Tru-cut’’,except for the area of the renal biopsies and the length of the renal and splenic biopsies. Thehistological criteria did not differ significantly. However, the glomeruli number was lower with the‘‘Spirotome’’ and anyhow insufficient with both techniques.ConclusionThe ‘‘Spirotome’’ device only provided samples of diagnostic quality for the liver and spleen.The ‘‘Spirotome’’ compared favourably to the ‘‘Tru-Cut’’ except for the kidneys.�Spirotome: Medinvents, Hasselt, BelgiumReferences1. Cole TL, Center SA, Flood SN, Rowland PH, Valentine BA, Warner KL, Erb HN. Diagnosticcomparison of needle and wedge biopsy specimens of the liver in dogs and cats. J Am Vet MedAssoc 2002; 220: 1483–1490.2. De Rycke LMJH, Van Bree HJJ, Simoens PJM. Ultrasound-guided tissue-core biopsy ofliver, spleen and kidney in normal dogs. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 1999; 40 (3): 294-299.

CONTRASTHARMONIC IMAGINGOFCANINESPLENICLESIONS

Dennler M1, Ohlerth S1, Hauser B2, Siebeck N3, Kaser-Hotz B1. 1Vetsuisse Faculty,University of Zurich, Section of Diagnostic Imaging and Radio-Oncology, Zurich, Switzerland;2Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Department of Pathology, Zurich, Switzerland;3Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Section of Small Animal Medicine, Zurich,Switzerland.

IntroductionAlthough sensitivity of ultrasound is high for the detection of splenic lesions, its specificity is low.Contrast harmonic imaging has been successfully used for the detection and differentiation offocal liver disease in humans and dogs. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate theuse of contrast harmonic imaging for the differentiation of canine splenic lesions.Materials and MethodsIn 61 dogs with splenic lesions, contrast pulse inversion harmonic imaging was performed witha Philips ATL 5000 unit (mechanical index: 0.08, contrast medium: Sonovue

s

, Bracco). Imageswere obtained for 2 min. Perfusion was assessed subjectively and quantitatively with commer-cial software (QLAB, Philips).ResultsCytological or histological examination revealed benign lesions in 27 animals (reactive hyper-plasia, nodular hyperplasia, extramedullary hematopoiesis, hematoma), malignant lesions in 29dogs (hemangiosarcoma, malignant lymphoma, malignant histiocytosis, sarcoma, mast celltumors, other neoplastic lesions), 1 splenic torsion, and 4 normal spleens. Benign changesenhanced well and were mildly hypo-, iso- or hyperechoic in comparison to the normal spleen.All hemangiosarcomas except one showed no or only very mild enhancement. In malignantlymphomas and mast cell tumors, lesions enhanced similar to normal splenic tissue. In theother tumors, lesion enhancement was very divergent. Quantitative assessment of perfusionconfirmed the subjective analysis; however, results were statistically not yet significant.Discussion/ConclusionContrast harmonic imaging revealed valuable information on the perfusion of splenic lesions.Whether it will be feasible to further differentiate neoplastic lesions remains to be determined ina larger study group.

Nyman, H.T., et al., Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in normal canine liver. Evaluation ofimaging and safety parameters. Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 2005. 46: p. 243–250.O’Brien, R.T., et al., Contrast harmonic ultrasound of spontaneous liver nodules in 32 dogs. VetRadiol Ultrasound, 2004. 45: p. 547–553.Ohlerth, S., et al., Assessment of tissue perfusion in the normal canine spleen with contrastharmonic imaging. Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 2006. 47: p. 110.Salwei, R.M., R.T. O’Brien, and J. Matheson, Use of contrast harmonic ultrasound for thediagnosis of congenital portosystemic shunts in three dogs. Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 2003. 44: p.301–305.Ziegler, L.E., et al., Quantitative contrast harmonic ultrasound imaging of normal canine liver.Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 2003. 44: p. 451–454.

206 ABSTRACTS 2008

CHARACTERIZATIONOFCANINEMAMMARY TUMOURSUSINGB-MODE,COLOURANDPULSEDDOPPLERULTRASONOGRAPHY

Novellas R, Ruiz de Gopegui R, Dominguez E, Garcıa A, Solanas L, Puig J, Rabanal R,Espada Y. Autonomous University of Barcelona, Animal Medicine and Surgery Department,Diagnostic Imaging Service, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Bellaterra, Spain.

IntroductionMammary tumours are the most frequent neoplasias in non spayed female dogs. The goldstandard to diagnose mammary neoplasia is excisional biopsy histopathology. This study in-tends to describe ultrasonographic appearance, to study vascularisation and vascular indices ofmammary neoplasias in order to correlate tumour type with malignancy or histopathology.Materials and MethodsSeventy mammary masses from forty dogs with histologically confirmed malignant or benignmammary tumour, mammary hyperplasias/dysplasias, and mammary lipomas were included inthe study. All ultrasound studies were performed with an 11MHz linear transducer. B-mode,pulsed, colour or power Doppler ultrasonography was performed to describe the ultrasono-graphic appearance, categorize the vessel distribution and signal type, and calculate the vas-cular indices. All the sonographic findings were correlated with histological results.Histopathology was performed in the mammary excisional biopsies.ResultsTumour types were classified following the WHO criteria into malignant (complex carcinoma 25,tubulopapillary carcinoma 9, solid carcinoma 4, carcinoma in benign tumour 3), benign (ad-enoma –simplex 6, complex 6–, benign mixed tumour 9, duct papilloma 1), mammary lobularhyperplasia 2, duct ectasia 1) and mammary lipoma 4. Malignant tumours had higher volumes,had more irregular shapes and showed enhancement and anechoic areas than benign tu-mours. Most of the tumours, either benign or malignant were hypoechoic. Shadowing andmineralized focal areas were observed in a similar proportion. Central and mixed vasculari-sation was more frequent in malignant than in benign tumour. Among malignant, in the complexcarcinoma vascular flow was not detected in 11/25. Malignant tumours showed a tendency topresent lower minimum and higher maximum resistive index. The differences between themwere higher in malignant tumours.Discussion/ConclusionsAlthough tendencies were observed, the ultrasonographic findings between malignant andbenign mammary tumours were non stastistically significant, and histopathology is required forthe diagnosis.ReferencesLee S-W, Choi HY, Baek SY, Lim SM. Role of color and power Doppler imaging in differ-entiating between malignant and benign solid breast masses. J of Clinical Ultrasound 2002;30:459–464.Mesaki K, Hisa N, Kubota K, Hisa Nobuaki, Ogawa Y, Yoshida S. Differentiation of benign andmalignant breast tumors using Doppler spectral parameters including acceleration time index.Oncology Reports 2003; 10:945–950.Misdorp W, Els RW, Hellmen E, Lipscomb TP. Histological classification of mammary tumors ofthe dog and cat. WHO International Histological Classification of Tumours of Domestic Animals(1999) 2nd Series, vol. VII. Washington DC.Nyman HT, Kristensen AT, Lee MH, Martinussen T, McEvoy FJ. Characterization of caninesuperficial tumors using gray-scale B mode, color flow mapping, and spectral Doppler ultra-sonography – A multivariate study. Vet Rad&Ultrasound 2006; 47:192–8.Benjamin SA, Lee AC, WJ Saunders. Classification and behaviour for canine mammaryepithelial neoplasm based on life-span observations in Beagles. Vet Pathol 1999; 36:423–6.

COMPARISONOF TRANSABDOMINAL ANDTRANSRECTALULTRASONOGRAPHYOF THEPROSTATEGLAND INDOG

Ghadiri A, Avizeh R, Baniadam A, Ranjbar A. Shahid Chamran University, Faculty of Vet-erinary Medicine, Department of Clinial Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.

IntroductionThe aims of this study were: to compare the transabdominal and transrectal ultrasonography ofthe prostate gland in dogs, to estimate the dimension, volume and weight of the prostate glandand to derive a simple formula from actual and ultrasonographic prostate measurements.Materials and MethodsReasons other than prostatic disease. Longitudinal and transverse sections were obtained andprostate length (L1), depth (D1) and width (W1) were measured in cm in transabdominaltechnique. But in transrectal procedure only prostate length (L2) and depth (D2) were obtained.Prostatic volume was calculated using the formula for the volume of an ellipsoid (PVE) and for abox (PVB). The actual prostate length, depth, width, weight and volume (V) were measuredafter euthanasia. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 0.9 software.ResultsThe study was performed on 10 intact mongrel male dogs that required euthanasia forMean � SD of the L1, D1 and W1 were 3.35 � 0.4, 3.42 � 0.53 and 2.78 � 05 and L2 andD2 were 3.01 � 0.32 and 2.3 � 0.32cm respectively. There was highly significant correlationbetween prostatic parameters calculated from transabdominal and transrectal ultrasonographyand their actual dimension (P � 0.001). Based on linear regression the equations comparingactual prostatic volume to calculated volume are: V¼ 0.427 PVB – 0.883 (R2¼ 0.984) andV¼ 0.796 PVE – 0.402 (R2¼ 0.977). In transrectal ultrasonography there were not seen anydamage to rectum and the time for evaluation of the prostate gland was faster than trans-abdominal method.DiscussionTransrectal ultrasonography had been found to be a simple, quick and noninvasive method forevaluating the prostate gland in the dog. Prostatic dimensions in transabdominal method in thisstudy were slightly greater and in transrectal method was smaller than other studies.

CT-ANATOMYOF THEBRACHYZEPHALANDNORMALFELINENASOLACRIMALDRAINAGESYSTEM

Noller C. University of Leipzig, Department of Small Animals, Leipzig, Germany.

IntroductionAs a consequence of their head conformation Persian cats regularly suffer from epiphora. Theobvious differences between brachy- and normocephalic cats are the ‘‘missing’’ or shortenednose and discoloring of skin. Therefore the objective of this study was to evaluate the course ofthe nasolacrimal drainage system (NDS) in brachycephalic cats in comparison to normalshaped breeds using computed tomography.Materials and MethodsThis anatomic and computed tomographic study is based on 47 heads (29 brachycepahlic, 18mesatocephalic) of euthanized or anaesthetized cats. In six cases CT-dacryocytorhinographyof the NDS were carried out using a casting media (mixture of barium sulphate and siliconerubber) or an iodinated contrast medium (mixture of contrast medium and methyl cellulose),respectively. Additionally 3D-reconstructions, dissections, and macerations were produced.ResultsA final stage of brachycephaly results in a high-graded dislocation of nasal structures (espe-cially the ventral nasal concha) caused by dorso-rotation of teeth. The canine tooth is the mainbarrier for the NDS which originates laterally and drains medially into the nose. In case of amissing nose, the duct passed below this tooth. Furthermore the NDS is characterized by anincreased angle and a steeper course.Discussion-ConclusionNormally tears pass into the NDS by a process of gravity feed (among others). The dorso-rotation of the canine tooth and the ventral nasal concha is the reason for the steeper coursethat forces the lacrimal fluid to drain uphill. This hinders the drainage and might result inepiphora, the obvious resenting sign in Persian cats.ReferencesBREIT, S., KUNZEL, W., OPPEL, M. (2003): the Course of the Nasolacrimal Duct in Brachy-cephalic Cats. Anat Histol Embryol, 32, S. 224–227.NOLLER, C., HENNINGER, W., GRONEMEYER, D. H. W., HIRSCHBERG, R. M., BUDRAS,K.-D. (2006): Computed tomography-Anatomy of the normal feline nasolacrimal drainage sys-tem. Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 47 (1), S. 53–60.

CT- ANDMR-DACRYOCYSTOGRAPHYOF THENORMALCANINENASOLACRIMALDRAINAGESYSTEM:PRELIMINARYRESULTS IN15 DOGS

Rached PA, Ludewig E, Oechtering G, Noller C. University of Leipzig, Department of SmallAnimals, Leipzig, Germany.

IntroductionConventional radiographic cannulation dacryocystography is a commonly used technique forvisualizing disorders of nasolacrimal drainage system (NDS) in dogs. However, superimpositionof structures can compromise the diagnosis. Although there are no studies with CT- and MR-dacryocystography (CTD and MRD) in dogs, it is expected that they could be useful in thediagnosis of nasolacrimal diseases in dogs. The aims of this study are to develop CTD andMRD protocols and to describe possible variations in the NDS anatomy of dogs with differentskull conformations.Materials and MethodsUp to now, cadavers from 15 dogs free of ocular and nasal disease were included. The upperlacrimal canaliculi were cannulated and contrast media were injected (Imeron

s

and Omniscans

1:200, for CTD and MRD respectivelly). CT transverse and 3D images were obtained using 0.8to 2mm-thick slices. MRD protocol included transverse images obtained by T1W/3D/FFE andPDW/TSE sequences.ResultsIn CT scans, the upper and the lower lacrimal canaliculi, lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal ductcould be well described in all 15 dogs. The differentiation between the bony and membranouspart of the nasolacrimal duct was easily performed. MRD images required longer scan time andallowed the visualization of NDS structures in a lower percentage of dogs.Discussion/ConclusionCTD and MRD are useful techniques for evaluation of the NDS in dogs. The protocols can berecommended. CTD was shown to be a more reliable technique for anatomical description ofthe NDS with high spatial resolution. MRD provided more information about the surrounding softtissue structures.ReferencesNOLLER, C., HENNINGER, W., GRONEMEYER, D. H. W., HIRSCHBERG, R. M., BUDRAS,K.-D. (2006): Computed tomography-Anatomy of the normal feline nasolacrimal drainage sys-tem. Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 47 (1), S. 53–60.NYKAMP, S.G. SCRIVANI, P.V. PEASE, A.P (2004): Computed tomography dacryocysto-graphy evaluation of the nasolacrimal apparatus. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound 45(1), S. 23–28.

207ABSTRACTSVol. 49, No. 2

NORMALMAGNETICRESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) ANATOMYOF THEEQUINELARYNX ANDPHARYNX

Pekarkova M1, Konar M1, Lang J1, Tessier C2. 1Division of Clinical Radiology, Departmentof Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty Berne, Switzerland; 2Equine Hospital,Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty Berne, Switzerland.

The purpose of the present study was to define normal MRI anatomy of the larynx and pharynxand to define the optimal protocol, sequences and possible limitations of this examinationtechnique in the horse. Two horses without clinical signs of upper airway disease were used.Low-field MRI (Hitachi Airis II, 0.3 Tesla) of the laryngeal and pharyngeal regions was per-formed under general anesthesia. The protocol consisted of sagittal and transverse T2w FastSpin Echo, transverse T1w Spin Echo and dorsal high resolution T1w gradient echo (both plainand contrast enhanced) sequences. Euthanasia was performed at the end of the imagingprocedure. After death the heads were removed and frozen immediately. The first head wassectioned in sagittal, the second in transverse direction according to the MR imaging planes,then photographed, and compared with the MR images. The laryngeal cartilages, hyoid ap-paratus, and upper airway muscle groups with their attachments could be identified. However, itwas not always possible to isolate individual muscle bellies in every plane (e.g. lateral pha-ryngeal muscles in the sagittal plane). Most useful were both T2 weighted and T1 weightedtransverse sequences. Contrast was helpful to identify blood vessels. The MR images cor-responded well with the macroscopic anatomy of cadaver sections. MRI is useful for assessingthe equine larynx and pharynx. There was excellent differentiation of soft tissue structures. Themain limitation of MRI is the need for general anesthesia. This study provides an atlas of normalanatomy of the equine larynx and pharynx, which can help evaluating laryngeal and pharyngealdiseases in horses.

1. Arencibia A, Vazquez JM, Jaber R, Gil F, Ramirez JA, Rivero M, Gonzalez N, Wisner ER.Magnetic resonance imaging and cross sectional anatomy of the normal equine sinuses andnasal passages. Vet. Radiol. and Ultrasound, Vol 41, No. 4, 2000, pp 313–319.2. Arencibia A, Vazquez JM, Ramirez JA; Ramirez G, Vilar JM, Rivero MA, Alayon S, Gil F.Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal equine brain. Vet. Radiol. and Ultrasound, Vol. 42,No. 5, 2001, pp 405–408.3. Ashdown RR and Done SH. Colour atlas of veterinary anatomy. Vol. 2: the horse. Baillieretindall, Gower Medical Publishing 1987.4. Chaffin MK, Walker MA, McArthur NH, Perris EE, Matthews NS. Magnetic resonanceimaging of the brain of normal neonatal foal. Vet. Radiol. and Ultrasound, Vol 38, No. 2, 1997,pp 102–111.5. Chalmers HJ, Cheetham J, Yeager AE, Ducharme NG. Ultrasonography of the equinelarynx. Vet. Radiol. and Ultrasound, Vol 47, No. 5, 2006, pp 476–481.6. Davenport-Goodall CLM, Parente EJ. Disorders of the Larnyx. Vet. Clin. Equine 19 (2003)169–187.7. Fava D, Bitelli G, Cappi M, Diana A, Pietra M, Cinotti S. Endoscopic examination of equineupper respiratory tract by computed image analysis. Vet. Research Communication, 27 Suppl14 (2003) 749–7538. Holcombe SJ. Neuromuscular regulation of the larynx and nasopharynx in the horse. Am.Ass. Eq. Pract. Proceedings, Vol. 44, 1998, pp 26–299. Latorre R, Arencibia A, Gil F, Rivero M, Henry RW, Ramirez G, Vazquez JM. Correlation ofmagnetic resonance images with anatomic features of the equine tarsus. AJVR, Vol. 67, No. 5,May 2006, pp 756–76110. Nickel RSA and Seiferle E. Lehrbuch der Anatomie der Haustiere/4. neubearb. Aufl. ed.,Verlag Paul Parey, Berlin (1984).

SCINTIGRAPHYFOREVALUATIONOFCANINEANDFELINENECKMASSES

Liuti T, Vandermeulen E, Vermeire S, Peremans K. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, GhentUniversity, Belgium.

IntroductionIdentification of tumours and staging are important for management of the oncological patient.In this study scintigraphy was evaluated to this purpose.Materials & MethodsFourteen patients, thirteen dogs, (5–14 years; eight female, six male),and one cat, (female;13years), were presented with a neck mass. 99m Tc- pertechnetate was used in twelve cases(eleven dogs, one cat) to evaluate the primary lesion and presence of metastases. In six caseswith a negative 99m Tc-pertechnetate scan, 99m Tc-MIBI was used. In three cases 99m Tc-MIBI was performed without a prior 99m Tc-pertechnetate scan. Further examinations includedradiographic, ultrasonographic and fine-needle aspiration (FNA)/biopsy.ResultsIdentification of the mass was possible in seven cases with 99m Tc-pertechnetate (six highuptake in affected thyroid gland, one abnormal uptake in affected salivary gland). In five casesno uptake was seen in the affected thyroid gland and in two cases both lobes were normal.Eigth cases showed abnormal uptake of 99m Tc-MIBI (one lymphoma, seven thyroid carci-noma). In two cases scintigraphy correctly identified the origin of the mass as opposed toultrasound. Metastatic disease was correctly identified in four cases (three with 99m Tc-MIBI,one with 99m Tc-pertechnetate). In three cases metastases was suspected but not confirmedwith radiographs/ultrasound. FNA/biopsy: tumour involvement was confirmed in all cases (threelow malignant thyroid tumours, ten thyroid carcinoma, one carcinoma of the salivary gland, onelymphoma).Discussion-conclusionScintigraphy can be used to identify neck masses, evaluate candidate thyroid masses for I131treatment and check for metastatic disease.

STUDYOFGASTEROINTESTINALTRACTFUNCTIONOFGOLDENHAMSTERWITHBARIUMSULFATE

Kabir F1, Vajhi A2, Masoudifard M2. 1Islamic Azad University, Science and Research branch,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Clinical Science Department, Tehran, IRAN; 2University ofTehran, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Clinical Science Department, Tehran, IRAN.

Today, because some families like to keep Hamster as a pet and it involved with a variety ofgastrointestinal tract problems, we decided to find a standard radiographic time pattern ofgastrointestinal functions. So we utilized Bariumsulfate, a contrast media agent, as a pastyfood. Six Golden Hamsters were included in this study. Ventrodorsal and Laterolateral plainradiographs with mammography specialized film and cassette were performed and their healthswere confirmed. They were not had any food for 12h, then 2cc of 30% bariumsulfate wereeaten. Radiographs were taken from 0min till 24h laterolateral and ventrodorsaly. Stomachevacuation to deodenom was begun in 15th minute, and after 60 min there was no contrastmedia agent in the stomach pouches. Bariumsulphate were remained in the main stomach till5 h. Entrance of contrast medium to cecum was begun at 60th minute and was left till the end ofexamination. The first feces observed in colon in 100th minute. At 24th hour of the studycontrast medium was observed in the first part of the stomach because of hamster’s feceseating.

DOPPLERIMAGINGOFTHEEXTRNALOPHTALMICARTERYANDINTERNALOPHTALMICARTERYINNORMALDSHCAT.

Vosough D1, Masodifard M2. 1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bahonar, Kerman,Iran; 2Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Iran.

Blood velocity parameters of the orbital and ocular vasculature can be no invasively assessedand measured by Doppler imaging. The purpose of this study was to blood velocity measure-ment in orbital vasculature. A total of 10 (Female) previously healthy domestic short hair catswere selected. General Electrics Voluson 730-Pro ultrasound equipment with linear trapezoid 5-12 MHz transducer was applied for all the examinations. Vessels identified a majority of thetime, include: external ophthalmic artery (EOA), and internal ophthalmic artery (IOA) and thefollowing Doppler parameters were measured, peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic ve-locity (EDV), Mean PSV, EDV, at the EOA were 10.3, 5.1, and the mean PSV, EDV, at the IOAwere 10.8, 3.5, and 0.307. Doppler imaging has the potential for determining no invasively andconsecutively the blood velocity parameters found in orbital and ocular diseases, includingorbital inflammations and neoplasia; intraocular inflammations and neoplasia; vascular diseas-es including systemic vascular disease (hypertension) vasculopathies, and anemia; the glau-coma; and document able follow-up after medical and surgical treatment of these diseases.

1. Kathleen J.Gelatt-Nicholson and et al: Doppler imaging of the ophthalmic vasculature of thenormal dog, blood velocity measurement and reproducibility, Veterinary Ophthalmology (1999)2.87–96.

208 ABSTRACTS 2008

MULTI-DETECTOR-ROWCOMPUTEDTOMOGRAPHYOF THECARPAL JOINT INDOGS

Cavrenne R, Bolen G, De Busscher V, Snaps F. Diagnostic Imaging Departement of theVeterinary Faculty of the University of Liege (Belgium).

IntroductionCarpal joint is a complex articulation. Radiographic evaluation of this region is difficult becauseof superimposition of bony structures. Multidector-row computed tomography (MDCT) is widelyused in bone and joint imaging in humans. The aim of this study is to present the MDCTexamination of the carpal joint in dogs.Material and methodsFour carpal joints were used. Radiography was performed to rule out any bony changes.Computed tomography (CT) was performed on a 16 detector-row system (Somatom 16, Sie-mens, Erlagen). Native 2mm thick contiguous slices were obtained. Multiplanar reformattedimages of 0.6mm thickness were obtained in sagittal, transverse and dorsal planes. Threedimensional images were also created. After CT examination, carpal joint were frozen andsectioned into slab sections.ResultsNormal anatomy of the carpal joint was presented in the three sectional planes. The computedtomography images were matched with the structured identified in the corresponding anatomysection. Three dimensional reconstructed anatomy was also presented.ConclusionsMultidetector-row computed tomography is a precise method for evaluation of the carpal joint.The entire joint could be evaluated in three sectional planes.

HIGHRESOLUTION16DETECTORROWCOMPUTEDTOMOGRAPHYEXAMINATIONOFTHECANINETHORAX

De Busscher V, Bolen G, Cavrenne R, Clercx C, Snaps F. ULg-Faculti de Midecine Vitiri-naire-Sciences Cliniques-Service d’Imagerie Midicale-Liyge-Belgium.

IntroductionMultidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) has brought about major advances in thoraximaging. MDCT of the lungs is the accepted diagnostic method for detection and characteri-sation of various pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities involving the airways, air space andinterstitium in humans. The aim of this study is to present MDCT examination of the caninethorax.Materials and methodsThe thorax examinations were performed on a 16 detector row scanner (Somatom 16, Sie-mens, Erlagen, Germany). Native transverse acquisitions of 5mm thickness were obtained intwo different window settings: high resolution lungs and mediastinal windows. Mediastinal win-dow acquisition was also performed after intravenous injection of iodine contrast media. Time ofacquisition was less than 15 seconds for each scanning sequences with a total acquisition timeof less than 60 seconds for the completed examination. High resolution multiplanar reformattedimages of 1mm thickness were obtained in sagittal, transverse and dorsal planes. Threedimensional (3D) volume rendering reconstruction images were also created.ResultsTransverse, sagittal and dorsal images of the normal lungs, bronchial, mediastinal and cardio-vascular structures were presented. Different pathologic conditions as alveolar, interstitial,bronchial patterns, mediastinal pathologies were illustrated in the three sectional planes. Threedimensional (3D) volume rendering reconstruction anatomy was presented, especially thecentral airways. Technical aspects (slices thickness, gantry rotation time, pitch, window levels)were also discussed.ConclusionMDCT is a method of choice for evaluation of the canine thorax. It allows high resolution thinimages in three sectional planes.

Assheuer J. and Sager M., MRI and CT Atlas of the Dog, Blackwell Science 1997, 315–346;Rivero MA. et al., Anat. Histol. Embryol. 2005, 34(4):215–219; Smallwood JE. and George TF.,Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 1993, 34(2):65–83.

ULTRASONOGRAPHYANDHISTOLOGYOF THEEQUINEMENISCI: ACOMPARATIVESTUDYOF THEMEDIALMENISCUS

De Busscher V1, Gabriel A2, Cassart D2, Heimann M3, Antoine N2, Busoni V1. 1ULg-Facultide Midecine Vitirinaire-Sciences Cliniques-Service d’Imagerie Midicale-Liyge-Belgium;2ULg-Faculti de Midecine Vitirinaire-Morphologie et Pathologie-Liyge-Belgium; 3Institut dePathologie et de Ginitique-Dipartement Anatomie Pathologique-Gosselies-Belgium.

IntroductionHypoechoic areas are commonly seen in the equine medial menisci at ultrasonography andhave been associated with fibres disruption and collapse, edema, or degenerative processessuch as fibroplasias or necrosis. In horses, no comparative study of ultrasonographic andhistological appearance of the menisci has been reported. This study aimed to compare ex-vivoultrasonographic and histological features of the equine medial meniscus.Materials and methodsMenisci were examined post-mortem in situ and after excision in a water bath with a 7.5 MHzlinear transducer. Vertical (abaxio/axial) sections were made and stained with toluidine blue.ResultsThirteen medial menisci of 12 warmblood horses were scanned. Two menisci showed a normalhomogenous echogenicity. Eleven menisci contained either a central hypoechoic area and/or alinear, horizontal hypoechoic zone. At histology, in the 2 ultrasonographically normal menisci,dense collagen fibres were found in the middle of the meniscus; more matrix was seen in theperiphery. The hypoechoic defects seen in 11 menisci were mainly associated with internalarchitectural changes: modified orientation and/or increased quantity of collagen fibres. Onecentral lesion was associated with thick trabeculae with increased cellularity and increasedamount of matrix. One meniscus presented edema and one horizontal lesion corresponded tovery dense fibrous tissue with neovascularization.Discussion - ConclusionThis study demonstrates that hypoechoic areas seen at ultrasonography in the medial me-niscus correspond to different types of degenerative or regenerative lesions with architecturalchanges.

1. De Busscher V. et al., J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2006, 26:453–461.2. Denoix JM., in: Joint Disease in the Horse, McIlwraith CW, Trotter GW (Eds.), Saunders WB1996:165–202.3. Denoix JM. et al., Pferdeheilkunde 1996;12:629–631.4. Ferrer-Roca O. et al., Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. 1980, 146:289–307.5. Noble J. et al., J Bone Surg. 1975, 57-B:180–186.

EVALUATIONOF THEUSEOF THREEDIMENSIONALULTRASONOGERAPHYOF THEEYEANDMEASUREMENTOFOPTICALNERVESHEETDIAMETERINPERSIANCAT

Vosough D1, Masoudifard M, Veshkini A, Vajhi A, Soroory. 1Department of Clinical Sciences,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Shahid Bahonar, Kerman - Iran. Department ofClinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran - Iran.

This study was for determine the possibility of three-dimensional ultrasonogeraphy (3DUS) andmeasurement of optical nerve sheet by this method. 10 Persian cat (5 males, 5 females), age1–1.5 year, and weighting 4–8kg were selected. 3D ultrasounds of the eyes were evaluatedand the normal optical nerves in 3DUS images were measured using Volouson 730 andStatistical analysis- by paired sample T-test. In the obtained 3D images vitreous body, anteriorchamber, and lens cortex and nucleus showed a distinct anechogenic to hypoechogenic. De-tails of the eyes compartments were better observed by rotating the images in all possibleangles and planes using 3D facilities. Anterior and posterior lens capsule and the optic diskwere hyperechogenic. The mean optical nerve in males was: 1.35 mm and in females it was1.40mm. There weren’t a significant difference between ocular nerve measurements of maleand female dogs and left and right eyes. The 3DUS gives useful images for teaching anddiagnostic purpose and Lesions of the caudal portion of the orbit (e.g. optic nerve atrophy) arebetter visualized by this technique. The results of the eye 3DU in cats showed marked ad-vantages in image acquisition for interpretation of all aspects of the ocular structures. Mea-surement of the optic nerve by 3D ultrasonography and other methods such as CT scan anddirect measurement did not have any significant difference.

1. Downey D.B, Nicoll D.A, (1996). Three dimensional ultrasound imaging of the eye. Congressof EADI department of diagnostic Radiology University of western Ontario. 10:75–81.

209ABSTRACTSVol. 49, No. 2

KNEE JOINTULTRASONOGRAPHYOF THECCLTRABBITEXPERIMENTALMODELOFOSTEOAR-THRITIS

Boulocher C1, Arnault F1, Duclos ME1, Roualdes O3, Hartmann D3, Roger T1, Vignon E2,Viguier E1. 1UMR MA 3990. Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Lyon (ENVL), Marcy l’Etoile,France; 2UMR MA 3990. UCBL (Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1), Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Pierre Benite, France; 3UMR MA 3990. UCBL (Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1), Lyon,France.

Objectives To develop a protocol for knee joint ultrasonography (US) of the Cranial CruciateLigament Transection (CCLT) rabbit model of osteoarthritis (OA); to evaluate the correlationbetween US and macroscopic medial and lateral meniscal injuries (MMI and LMI) with tibialcartilage damage 1,2, depending on the age and weight 3.Methods One group of skeletally mature White New Zealand Rabbits and one adolescentgroup were used for the study. Clinical examination, in vivo US and final macroscopy werecompared 5 months after CCLT. MMI and LMI were graded semi-quantitatively. Tibial cartilagedamage was scored quantitatively with the Visual Analogical Evaluation (EVA) 4.Results The CCLT rabbit knee joint US protocol was standardized. Positive correlation wasfound between US and macroscopic MMI (P¼ 10-5, r¼ 0.79) and LMI (P¼ 0.001, r¼ 0.63). USMI predictive positive value was 92.3% and predictive negative value 81.25%, compared withmacroscopy. The total tibial EVA was well correlated with the total menisci score (P¼ 0.008,r¼0.70). Medial tibial EVA were significantly higher in the adult than in the adolescent operatedgroup (P¼ 0.04).Conclusion In the rabbit OA model, age and weight when the CCLT is performed influencethe severity of meniscal and cartilage damages. A significant relationship for the MI betweenmacroscopic and US grading as well as a significant correlation between tibial cartilage lesionsand MI was observed. US is relevant and effective in detecting meniscal lesions and wepropose US as a non invasive, non expensive, in vivo imaging technique for preclinical studiesin the CCLT rabbit OA model.References1. Hellio Le Graverand MP, Vignon E, Otterness IG, Hart DA. Early changes in lapine menisciduring osteoarthritis development: Part I: cellular and matrix alterations. Osteoarthritis Cartilage.2001 Jan;9(1):56–64.2. Hellio Le Graverand MP, Vignon E, Otterness IG, Hart DA. Early changes in lapine menisciduring osteoarthritis development: Part II: molecular alterations. Osteoarthritis Cartilage.2001;9(1):65–72.3. Ding C., Martel-Pelletier J., Pelletier J.-P., Abram F., Raynauld J.-P., Cicuttini F. and JonesG. Osteoarthritis risk factors: a cross-sectional study of associations between meniscal tear andknee structure, radiographic changes and symptoms in an undiagnosed OA Cohort. Abstract.Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2006. 14(2):S147.4. Ayral X, Dougados M, Listrat V, et al. Arthroscopic Evaluation of chondropathy in osteo-arthritis of the knee. J Rheumatology 1996;23:698–706.

HELICAL ANDTHIRDGENERATIONCOMPUTEDTOMOGRAPHYOF THENORMALCANINEPELVICCAVITY

Vazquez JM1, Teixeira M2, Arencibia A3, Cardoso L2, Gil F1, Soler M4, Lopez O1, Ramirez G1,Agut A4. 1University of Murcia, Anatomy Department, Murcia, Spain; 2University Lutheran ofBrazil, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; 3University of Las Palmas, Anatomy Department, LasPalmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; 4University of Murcia, Medicine and Surgery Department,Murcia, Spain.

Subject Computed Tomography (CT) is a valuable technique for diagnosis of intrapelvicdisorders and in human medicine it has become the imaging modality of choice for the pelviccavity. CT can provide information that is just not attainable by other means. The aim of thisstudy is to describe the helical and conventional third generation CT appearance of the pelvicregion in the normal dog.Materials and Methods Eight cross-breed dogs were used, four males and four females.Helical and third-generation CT scans were performed in each dog under general anaesthesia.Injection of iodinated contrast medium was made in four dogs (two males and two females)through cephalic venous catheter and a dose of 10ml/kg of oral contrast medium was given twohours before scanning. The windows chosen had soft tissues setting. The images were ac-quired from the 7th lumbar vertebra to the ischiatic tuberosity.Results Twelve representative images were selected, six from females with contrast mediumobtained with the helical CT scan and six from males without contrast achieved with the third-generation CT scan. Osseous and articular structures, intrapelvic organs, iliac vessels andmuscles were located and identified. Different atlas of cross-sectional anatomy (Feeney et al.,1991; Vazquez et al., 2000) were used to identify the structures of the pelvic cavity andcorrelate to analogous structures on the CT images.Conclusions Helical CT provides a good detail of pelvic structures. Normal anatomy isidentified when compared with anatomical sections.

Feeney, D.A., Fletcher, T.F., Hardy, R.M., 1991. Atlas of correlative imaging anatomy of thenormal dog. Ultrasound and computed tomography. W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia.Smallwood, J.E., George II, T.F., 1993. Anatomic atlas for computed tomography in themesaticephalic dog: caudal abdomen and pelvis. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 34 (3),143-167.Vazquez, J.M., Ramırez, G., Gil, F., Latorre, R., Moreno, F., Lopez, O., Orenes, M., Arencibia,A., 2000. Atlas de Anatomıa Clınica: perro y gato. Cavidades toracica, abdominal y pelviana.A.G. Novograf, S.A. Murcia. Espana.

HELICALCOMPUTEDTOMOGRAPHICANATOMYOF THEEQUINETEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT:NORMALAPPEARANCE

Rodrıguez MJ1, Latorre R2, Soler M1, Lopez O2, Agut A1. 1Veterinary School, University ofMurcia, Department of Medicine and Surgery, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain; 2VeterinarySchool, University of Murcia, Department of Anatomy, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.

IntroductionDiagnoses of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are awkward due to its complex anat-omy, the non-specific symptomatology and the difficulty to interpret the radiographic views.Computed tomography (CT) is a valuable imaging tool that provides a reliable evaluation of theosseous TMJ structures. However, a thorough knowledge of the TMJ cross-sectional anatomyis critical for accurate interpretation of CT study. The aim of this study was to describe thenormal computed tomographic imaging of the equine TMJ.Material and methodsEight TMJs from Pure-Bred Spanish adult horses were used to perform the CT study. A helicalCT scanner was employed to acquire contiguous 1mm transverse slices of the TMJ region.Transverse images were reformatted into sagittal and dorsal planes and processed with adetailed algorithm to enhance bony and soft tissue structures. A three-dimensional recon-structed imaging of the joint was obtained. For the anatomic study, transverse, sagittal anddorsal cryosections of the TMJ area were obtained and plastinated using the P-40 method. CTimages and anatomic sections were studied and compared to identify the structures.ResultsThe best definition of TMJ components was acquired with a bone window obtaining a gooddelineation between cortex and medulla. The articular cartilage was observed as a hyperdensestripe over the subchondral bone. The soft tissue-TMJ structures were not well visualised usinga soft tissue window.Discussion-ConclusionHelical CT provides an excellent evaluation of the TMJ bone components but not of soft tissues.Normal CT anatomy is identified comparing with plastinated sections.

1. Devine, D.V., Moll, H.D., Bahr, R.J. (2005). Fracture, luxation, and chronic septic arthritis ofthe temporomandibular joint in a juvenile horse. J Vet Dent, 22(2):96–99.2. Morrow, K.L., Park, R.D., Spurgeon, T.L., Stashak, T.S., Arceneaux, B. (2000). Computedtomographic imaging of the equine head. Vet Radiol & Ultrasound, 41(6):491–497.3. Soler, M., Murciano, J., Latorre, R., Belda, E., Rodrıguez, M.J., Agut, A. (2006). Ultrasono-graphy, computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging anatomy of the normal caninestifle joint. The Veterinary Journal (2006), doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.08.019.4. Smallwood, J.E., Wood, B.C., Taylor, W.E., Tate, L.P. (2002). Anatomic reference for com-puted tomography of the head of the foal. Vet Radiol & Ultrasound, 43(2):99–117.

PREVALENCEOFPKD INPERSIANANDEXOTICSHORTHAIRCATS IN ITALYANDUSEFULNESSOFULTRASONOGRAPHY INTHEEARLYDIAGNOSIS

Bonazzi M1, Volta A1, Gnudi G1, Gazzola M2, Bertoni G1. 1Universita di Parma, Dip. di SaluteAnimale, Sez. Radiologia e D.I.; 2Sez. Patologia e Anat. Patologica, Parma, Italy.

IntroductionThe aims of the study were to determine the prevalence of Polycystic Kidney Disease inPersians (PKD) and Exotic Shorthairs in Italy and to evaluate ultrasonography for the diagnosisprior to 9 months of age.Materials and methodsTwo-hundred-eighty-eight Persian and 44 Exotic Shorthair cats that underwent ultrasono-graphic (US) screening for PKD between July 2003 and December 2005 were reviewed. Catswere divided in two groups, one including cats aged o9 months (G1) and one cats aged � 9months (G2). Cats were classified as PKD-positive when at least one renal cyst was found. Forall the examinations a 10 MHz linear transducer was used.Sixteen cats of 5 different litters with at least one parent affected by PKD were selected from G1and examined four times from 3 to 18 months of age.ResultsOne-hundred-thirty-six cats (41%) showed more than one cyst in at least one kidney. Theprevalence of PKD was similar in G1 and G2. Eight PKD-positive cats had cystic liver (5.9%).Among the 16 cats examined four times from 3 to 18 months of age, 4 resulted PKD-positive at3 months of age, while the others never showed any renal cyst from the first to the lastexamination.Discussion-ConclusionFeline PKD is common in Italy and the resulting prevalence is similar to those reported in theliterature 1–5.This study suggests also a better sensibility of US in the early diagnosis of PKD compared toliterature1, although only a few number of cases has been examined.References1. Barrs VR et al. (2001) Australian Veterinary Journal, 79, 4, 257–259.2. Barthez PY, Rivier P, Begon D (2003) Jour Feline Med and Surg, 5, 6, 345–347.3. Beck C, Lavelle RB (2001) Australian Vet Jour, 79, 3, 181–184.4. Cannon MJ et al. (2001) Vet Rec, 149, 409–411.5. Ottesen N (2004) Vet Rad & Ultr, 45, 6, 600.The full results of this study will be published in a paper that has been accepted for the Journalof Feline Medicine and Surgery.

210 ABSTRACTS 2008

INCIDENCEOFELBOWDYSPLASIA INSOUTHAFRICA

Kirberger Robert M, Stander N. University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science,Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Diagnostic Imaging Section,Onderstepoort, Republic of South Africa.

Introduction An elbow dysplasia (ED) scheme was initiated according to the InternationalElbow Working Group guidelines in South Africa in 1998. In order to encourage client com-pliance only maximally flexed ML views were required which were often made at the same timeas hip dysplasia radiographs.Material and Methods 1827 cases evaluated by the senior author were examined. Age,breed, sex and grading were recorded and statistically evaluated. Data of the top 6 breedincidence rankings were compared to those of the Orthopaedic Foundation of America.Results There were 737 males, 1086 females and 2 of unknown sex. Mean age was 24.6months. Males had significantly higher grading than females. 48 breeds were examined. EDgrading was consistently worse in SA compared to the OFA ratings (Table 1)

Conclusion Incidence of ED in SA is worse than in the USA. This is to be expected as noselective breeding has been practiced to date to try to reduce the incidence. Additionally therelatively old mean age at time of evaluation also increases the severity of ED. Introducing anED scheme is essential to try to reduce the incidence of ED in a country and it is hoped thatover the next few years the incidence will reduce due to a more informed public and betterbreeding selection.

RADIOGRAPHYIC STUDYOFDISTALSESAMOIDBONEOFNORMALCLAWS INCATTLE

Meimandi Parizi A1, Tadjalli M2, Ghanberizadeh M3. 1Department of Clinical Sciences, Schoolof Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran; 2Department of Basic Sciences,School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran; 3Graduated in School of Vet-erinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.

Sesamoid bones are typically found in locations where a tendon passes over a joint. Func-tionally, they act to protect the tendon and to increase its mechanical effect. There is noavailable any document about radiography of the distal sesamoid bone of cattle. This study wascarried out on the radiography of the distal sesamoid bone of cattle with normal claws. 80 distalsesamoid bones of 40 specimens (fore and hind limbs) were collected from Shiraz slaugh-terhouse, Shiraz, Iran. Standard radiographs of lateromedial, dorsopalmar or dorsoplantar andoblique views were taken from each sample. Radiographic study showed distal sesamoid bonewas elliptical shape and its palmar/plantar surface was slightly convex with a blunt sagittal ridge.It’s distal border lies to the last quarter of distal end of middle phalanx and the proximal borderlies at the middle of 2nd phalanx. In the cranio-caudal view, the distal sesamoid bone wascovered width of middle phalanx. This bone in lateral view was diagonal and its density wasclose to the middle phalanx. The trabecular patterns of osseous tissue is observeable in thelateral view. The normal radiography of the distal sesamoid helps a clinician to recognize anyradiographic changes of the bone in diseases or any abnormal condition in the digital region.References1. Baggot DG, Russel AM. Lameness in dairy cattle. Br. Vet. J. 1988; 144: 114–132.2. Bargai, A. B., Pharr J. W. (1989): Bovine radiography. Iowa State, University Press. pp: 35–503. Berry C.R. Pool R.R., Stovers, O’Brien T.R. and Koblick P.D. Radiographic/morphologicinvestigation of a radiolucent cresseent within the flexor central eminence of the navicular bonein thoroughloreds. Am. J. Vet. Res.1992; 53: 1604–1611.4. Burt JK, Myers VS, Hillmann DJ, Getty R. the radiographic locations of epiphyseal lines inbovine limbs. Am. J. Vet. Med. Assoc. 1968; 152: 168–174.Cited by Getty R. Sisson andGrossman’s. The anatomy of the domestic animals. 5th ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co,1975; 1: 431, 753–755, 789, 844, 859.5. Carlson WD. Veterinary radiography. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger, 1967; 54–56,585–591.6. Doige C.E. Hoffer M.A. Pathological changes in the navicular bone and associated structuresof the horse. Can. J. Comp. Med. 1983; 47: 387–395.7. Getty R. Sisson and Grossman’s the anatomy of the domestic animals. 5th ed. Philadelphia:WB Saunders Co, 1975; 753–755, 789, 844, 859, 1208–1209.8. Greenough PR, MacCallum FJ, Weaver AD. Lameness in cattle. 2nd ed. Bristol: John Wrightand Sons, 1981; 109, 38–39, 174–182, 228–262, 286–294, 328–337.9. Meimandi-Parizi A, Raddanipour M. Radiological observation of bone disorders of lamecattle. Proceeding of 11th international symposium on disorders ruminants digit and 3rd in-ternational conference on bovine lameness. September 3–7, 2000; Parma, Italy 233–241.10. Meimandi Parizi A, Shakeri M. The abattoir study of radiographic changes in bone and jointof digital region in cattle. Proceeding of 12th international symposium on lameness in ruminants.January 9–13 2002; Orlando Florida 239.11. O,brien, R. T., Biller D. S. (1996): Clinical applications of radiography and ancillary imaging.Vet. Clin. North Am. (Food Anim. Pract.).12, 263–275. 12. Pharr, J. W. (1985): Ancillary diagnostic imaging. Angiography, Ultrasono-graphy, Scintigraphy, and Xeroradiography. Vet. Clin. North Am. (Food Anim. Pract.) 1, 53–56.13. Wright I.M., Kidd L. and Thorp B.H. (1998). Gross histological and histomorphometricfeatures of the navicular bone related structure in the horse. Equine Vet. J. 30: 220–234.

WALLSTENTPLACEMENT TOPREVENTCOILSMIGRATIONDURING INTRAHEPATICEMBOLIZAT-IONOFPSS INADOG

Bolen G1, De Busscher V1, Cavrenne R1, Peeters D2, Dondelinger R3, Snaps F1. 1ULg –Faculty of Veterinary Medicine – Clinical Sciences Department – Medical Imaging Section –Liege – Belgium; 2ULg – Faculty of Veterinary Medicine – Clinical Sciences Department –Internal Medicine Section – Liege –Belgium; 3ULg – Faculty of Medicine – Medical ImagingSection – Liege – Belgium.

IntroductionIntravascular embolization is a minimally invasive technique for treatment of single congenitalintrahepatic portosystemic shunt (PSS) in dogs. Coils migration is a potentially life-threateningcomplication of this method. The aim of this poster is to present the use of a wall stent duringcoils embolization to prevent coils migration.Material and methodsA five months female irish wolfhound was presented with clinical signs and biochemistry com-patible with a PSS. Ultrasonographic examination confirmed a 12 mm intrahepatic porto-cavalshunt. Vena cava was catheterized via the jugular vein with a 5F cobra catheter to find theshunt. A trans-shunt portography was done. Due to the large shunt ostium a 24 � 70mm Wallstent-uni endoprothesis

s

(Boston Scientific, Ireland) was used to prevent coils migration. Thewall-stent was placed into the vena cava to cover the shunt ostium. A 3F radiofocus catheter(Terumo, Belgium) was placed into the shunt through the stent. Intravascular coils embolizationusing Tornado embolization microcoils

s

(Cook, Denmark) was done. Seventeen microcoils(7 � 3 mm, 8 � 5 mm and 10 � 5mm) were placed into the shunt to reduce the shunt out-flow.ResultsNo coil migration was observed with this procedure.ConclusionsTransvenous coil embolization is one of the techniques for occlusion of intrahepatic PSS. Onedisadvantage of this technique is coils migration. Vena cava wall-stent placement is an effectivemethod to prevent coils migration during intravascular embolization.

ABDOMINALULTRASONOGRAPHICFINDINGS IN 38 DOGSWITHBABESIOSIS (BABESIACANISCANIS)

Fraga E, Goicoa A, Fraga G, Seoane A, Barreiro A. Department of Veterinary Clinical Sci-ences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, E-27002 Lugo,Spain.

Introduction/PurposeBabesia canis canis, is widespread in Galicia (Spain). Babesiosis can involve multiple organsand result in a wide variety of clinical manifestations. This study evaluates ultrasonographicchanges of the spleen, liver and kidneys, in dogs naturally infected with Babesia canis.Materials and MethodsThirty-eight dogs of different breeds and ages diagnosed with babesiosis were studied. Acomplete blood count and the main biochemical parameters were obtained to classify them into2 groups, uncomplicated and complicated babesiosis. Twenty-seven dogs had uncomplicatedbabesiosis and 11 had complicated babesiosis. Ultrasonographic examination was performedusing a MyLab 70 machine with a 3–9 MHz multifrequency transducer. Colour and pulsedDoppler was used to measure the renal resistive indices (RI).ResultsIn the uncomplicated group 20/27 dogs had splenic lesions, 5/27 had diffuse liver diseases and9/27 had abnormalities of the renal parenchyma. 10/11 dogs with complicated babesiosis hadsplenic lesions, 4/11 had liver lesions and 8/11 had lesions in the kidneys. No significantcorrelation was found in splenic or liver diseases between complicated and uncomplicatedgroups but significant differences were found in renal diseases. The mean kidney RI was0,660 � 0,012 for the uncomplicated group and 0,681 � 0,023 for the complicated group. Nosignificant differences were found.Discussion/ConclusionsThe ultrasound investigation showed that in most animals the spleen was affected (91% of thecomplicated group and 74% of the uncomplicated group) and few dogs had liver lesions (36%and 18% respectively). Abnormalities of the renal parenchyma were present in 73% of the dogswith complicated babesiosis, and in 33% of the animals with uncomplicated babesiosis, al-though this fact remained unnoticed in their clinical exam and in their serum parameters,proving that ultrasound may be useful in the early detection of renal involvement in babesiosis.1. Burk, RL and Feeney, DA. 2003. Small Animal Radiology and Ultrasonography. A diagnosticAtlas and Text. Third Edition, Saunders, St. Louis, Missouri (USA).2. Jacobson, LS and Clark, IA. 1994. The pathophysiology of canine babesiosis: new ap-proaches to an old puzzle. J S Afr Vet Assoc. 65 (3): 134–145.3. Koma, LM; Kirberger, RM; Leisewitz, AL; Jacobson, LS; Becker, PJ and Bland Van denBerg, P. 2005. Comparison of effects of uncomplicated canine babesiosis and canine norm-ovolaemic anaemia on abdominal splanchnic Doppler characteristics–a preliminary investiga-tion. J S Afr Vet Assoc. 76 (3): 138–145.4. Novellas, R; Espada, Y and Ruiz de Gopegui, R. 2007. Doppler ultrasonographic estimationof renal and ocular resistive and pulsatility indices in normal dogs and cats. Vet Radiol Ul-trasound. 48 (1): 69–73.5. Nyland, TG and Matoon, JS. Small Animal Diagnostic Ultrasound. Second Edition, Saunders,Philadelphia (USA).

Table 1

Breed

Rank % Dysplastic

SA 21 USA82 SA USA

Rottweiler 1 2 54.7 40.9

BullmastifF 2 18 53.9 13.7

Chow chow 3 1 47.4 46.4

Boerboel 4 Nil 43.3 Nil

Retriever (golden) 5 25 38.3 11.5

Bernese mountain dog 6 3 37.5 29.5

211ABSTRACTSVol. 49, No. 2

ULTRASONOGRAPHICASSESSMENTOFNEWBONEFORMATIONDURINGDISTRACTION INARABBITMODEL

Savet A1, Huguet T1, Sailhan F2, Chousta A2, Viguier E1. 1UMR 3090 Biomateriaux etbiocompatibilite des materiaux medicaux. Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Lyon, 1, AvenueBOURGELAT, 69280 MARCY L’ETOILE. France; 2Hopital Debrousse. 29 rue des SœursBouvier 69005 LYON. FRANCE.

Introduction The goal of this study is to evaluate normal sonographic aspect of new boneproduction during lengthening in a rabbit model of tibiae lengthening.Materials and methods 12 sub-mature New-Zealand male white rabbits, body weight 2.0–3.0kg were used for this study. An unilateral external fixator (ORTHOFIX

s

M-103) 7 cm lengthis placed on lateral side of tibiae, after a mid-diaphyseal tibial osteotomy. After a 7 days latencyperiod, a 2.1cm distraction was carried out at a rate of 0.5mm twice a day for 21 days. Rabbitswere sacrified at 28, 35, 42 and 49 days after osteotomy. Radiographic and ultrasonographicexaminations were made weekly from the first week of distraction to the sacrifice. All exam-inations were interpreted by two independents blinded observers according to a grading pre-viously used in similar studies. Evaluations included distance between native bone ends,misalignment of bony segments, aspect and maturity of new callus, and signs of complication.Results Distraction gap first appears as a sonolucent defect between the two ends of corticalbone. The distance between native bone ends progressively decreases during consolidationwhile echogenicity increased at the distraction site. After 1–2 weeks, few disorganized foci areseen in the distraction gap. After 3–4 weeks, these areas become more aligned along the longaxis of the bone, and increase in size and number until they coalesce as echodense bone at 7–8 weeks following distraction. On a transversal view, new bone formation appears as an‘‘electric cable’’. A complication appears on a rabbit as a sonolucent area round a pin and a well-defined fluid collection in the subcutaneous tissues. Bone cysts can also been detected bysonography. Those complications were not detected on standard radiography.Conclusion Using ultrasonography can considerably decrease the X-ray exposure duringlimb lengthening monitoring and provides different information in earliest stages of new boneformation. It can also monitor the quality of new bone formation showing complications, and thedistraction rate can thus be optimized.

1. Donnan, L.T., et al., Radiographic assessment of bone formation in tibia during distractionosteogenesis. J Pediatr Orthop. 200; 22(5): 645–512. Eyres, K.S., M.J. Bell, and J.A. Kanis, Methods of assessing new bone formation during limblengthening. Ultrasonography, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and radiography compared. JBone Joint Surg Br, 1993; 75(3):358–643. Eyres, K.S., M.J. Bell, and J.A. Kanis, New bone formation during leg lengthening. Evaluatedby dual energy X-Ray absorptiometry J Bone Joint Surg Br, 199; 75(1):96-1064. Hugues, T.H and al. Imaginig in bone lengthening. A review. Clin Orthop Relat Res,1994(308):50–35. Li, G., et al., Bone consolidation is enhanced by rhBMP-2 in a rabbit model of distractionosteogenesis. J Orthop Res, 200; 20(4):779–886. Yasko AW, Lane JM, Fellinger EJ, Rosen V, Wozney JM, Wang EA. The healing of seg-mental bone defects, induced by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2).A radiographic, histological, and biomechanical study in rats. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1992Jun;74(5):659–70.Erratum in: J Bone Joint Surg Am 1992; 74(7):1111.

IMAGINGOF TWOTRAUMACASES INLOGGERHEADSEATURTLE (CARETTACARETTA)

Vignoli M1,2, Nardini G2, Bielli M2, Rossi F1, Terragni R1, Leone V1,2. 1Clinica Veterinariadell’Orologio, Sasso Marconi (BO)- Italy; 2Exotic Veterinary Team - Italy.

In the Mediterranean Sea Caretta caretta is the most common sea turtle and trauma is theprevalent disease diagnosed in rescued turtles 1,2. Two C. caretta (Titania 71kg and Sole13 kg) were admitted at the Fondazione Cetacea Turtle Hospital; both turtles suffered headtrauma with bone fractures and skin wounds resulting from boat collision. Survey radiographsexcluded bony lesions of the distal left forelimb of Titania, but showed comminuted fracture ofthe left maxilla and jugal bones 3. The CT scans were taken under anesthesia (propofol 8mg/kgi.v.) and revealed multiple cranial fractures in both individuals. Ultrasonography of the brain ofTitania was possible trough the fractures of the skull. Within the celomatic cavity several eggswere visible with mineralized shell and distal shadowing. Both turtles underwent low level lasertherapy (LLLT) for two months. CT scans were repeated two months later. In case of Titania theCT scan showed fibrous and osseous callus formation at fracture sites and the turtle has beensuccessfully released one month later. At the moment there are no reports on LLLT in reptiles.The clinical improvements in tissue regeneration and wound healing in other species is doc-umented 4,5. Since LLLT may help in cases of neurological deficit 6, Sole is still undergoing thistherapy. The results we have had on these sea turtles are encouraging and we think that LLLThad a role in shortening the healing process. CT was very useful to assess the severity andextent of the skull fractures and healing process.

1. Schofield G. and Kopsida H 1999. Head Injury Rehabilitation of Sea Turtles; the positive Sideof a Negative Conundrum. pp.41–43 Proc. 19th Ann. Symp. Sea Turt. Cons. Biol. 2–6 MarchSouth Padre Isl. Texas, USA.2. Nardini G., Bielli M., Scaravelli D., Vignoli M. New Technologies Helping Chelonian Con-servation: Computed Tomography (CT) and Laser (Lllt) Therapy. International Conference,Parco Le Navi, 2006.3. Wyneken J. The anatomy of the sea turtles. Miami 2001, pp. 8–25.4. Ihsan F.R. 2005. Low-level laser therapy accelerates collateral circulation and enhancesmicrocirculation. Photomed Laser Surg. 2005; 23(3) pp.289–294.5. Gal P., Vidinski B., Toporcer T., Mokry M., Mozes S., Langauer F., Sabo J. 2006. Histologicalassessment of effect of laser irradiation on skin wound healing in rats. Photomed laser Surg.2006; 24(4) pp. 480–488.6. Detaboada L, Ilic S, Leichliter-Martha S, Oron U, Oron A, Streeter J. 2006. Transcranialapplication of low-energy laser irradiation improves neurological deficits in rats following acutestroke. Lasers Surg Med. 2006; 38(1) pp.70–3.

INVESTIGATIONONTHEPHARMACODYNAMICSOF TWODIFFERENTPSYCHOPHARMACA INTHEDOG’SBRAINWITHSPECT

Vermeire S1, Audenaert K2, Vandermeulen E1, Peremans K1. 1Ghent University, Faculty ofVeterinary Medicine, Department of Medical Imaging, Ghent, Belgium; 2University Hospital,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Ghent, Belgium.

Introduction Currently, certain behavioural disorders in dogs are treated with psychophar-maca derived from human psychiatry. Many act on the serotonin system. Selective serotoninreuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as S-citalopram, are used to elevate the synaptic serotonin byblocking the serotonin transporter (SERT). Antipsychotic drugs, such as the serotonin-2A re-ceptor antagonist pipamperon, are used to act on the serotonin-2A receptor. The aim of thisstudy was to evaluate the pharmacodynamics of both serotonergic psychopharmaca in thedog’s brain.Materials and Methods S-Citalopram (SSRI): Two dogs (female, age 2y and 6y) wereincluded. 123I-beta-CIT SPECT was used to image the SERT. Scans were obtained in blankconditions and after IV administration of S-citalopram. Acquisition was performed 3h afterinjection of the tracer. Pipamperon Three female dogs (female, age 8y) were included. [123I]-R91150 SPECT was used to evaluate the 5-HT2A receptor binding index. Scans were obtainedin blank conditions and after oral administration of 0.25ml or 0.5ml pipamperon. Acquisitionwas performed 90 min after injection of the tracer. All acquisitions were performed with a tripleheaded gamma camera (Trionix LEHR parallel hole collimators).Results Administration of citalopram prior to the tracer showed a decreased binding of 123I-beta-CIT to the SERT, thereby proving the effective blocking of SERT. Administration of pip-amperon prior to the tracer showed a decreased binding of [123I]-R91150 to the5-HT2A re-ceptor, thereby proving the effective blocking of the serotonin-2A receptors.Discussion-Conclusion This study demonstrates the feasibility to investigate the mode ofaction of psychopharmaca with in vivo imaging in dogs.(Peremans et al.) (Peremans et al.) (Stengler-Wenzke et al.)Reference ListPeremans, K., et al. ‘‘Regional binding index of the radiolabeled selective 5-HT2A antagonist123I-5-I-R91150 in the normal canine brain imaged with single photon emission computedtomography.’’ Vet.Radiol.Ultrasound 44.3 (2003): 344–51.Peremans, K., et al. ‘‘the effect of citalopram hydrobromide on 5-HT2A receptors in the im-pulsive-aggressive dog, as measured with 123I-5-I-R91150 SPECT.’’ Eur.J.Nucl.Med.Mol.Imag-ing 32.6 (2005): 708–16.Stengler-Wenzke, K., et al. ‘‘Serotonin transporter imaging with [123I]beta-CIT SPECT beforeand after one year of citalopram treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.’’ Neuropsycho-biology 53.1 (2006): 40–45.

RADIOGRAPHICATLASOFOSTEOARTHITIS INTHERABBITEXPERIMENTALMODELKNEE JOINT

Boulocher C, Viguier E, Duclos ME, Roger T, Vignon E. Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Lyon,Departement des Animaux de Compagnie UMR MA 3990

Objectives To create a radiographic atlas for grading knee joint osteoarthritis (OA) in therabbit experimental model of OA and compare the radiographic and macroscopic grades.Methods In vivo digital radiographs of the left knee of 10 control and 40 operated rabbits wereperformed at 5 months. Two blinded observers graded the osteophytes with a 4 grades scalefor the medial femoro-tibial compartment and a 3 grades scale for the femoral trochlea. Jointspace narrowing and subchondral cysts were graded with a 3 grades scale. Radiography andfinal macroscopy were compared.Results A ‘‘rabbit bed’’ was customised to standardize the extended postero-anterior radio-graphic view. A radiographic atlas of OA lesions was created and compiled in a power pointpresentation.

Mean(SD)Radiographicscore

Osteophytes

JSN (0–2)Subchondralcysts (0–2)

MedialFTC(0–3)

Femoraltrochlea (0–2)

Medial Lateral Medial Lateral

ControlgroupN¼ 10

0.3 (0.4) 0.7 (0.35) 0.4 (0.4) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0.1 (0.3)

OperatedgroupN¼ 40

1.8 (0.7)��� 1.2 (0.5)��� 1.2 (0.4)��� 0.9 (0.7)��� 0.4 (0.6)��� 1.3 (0.8)���

���Significance level Po0.001, Student’s paired t test.

All radiographic scores were significantly higher in the operated group compared to the controlgroup (Po0.001). Macroscopic and radiographic osteophytes grading were well correlated(r¼0.64, Po0.001). JSN and meniscal lesions were correlated (r¼ 0.68, Po0.001). Tibialcartilage lesions were correlated with JSN (r¼0.58, Po0.001).Conclusion This radiographic atlas of OA individual features allowed non-invasive in vivograding and was well correlated with final macroscopic evaluation.

212 ABSTRACTS 2008

MAGNETICRESONANCE IMAGINGOFMELANOMAS IN 3 HORSES

Gerlach K, Cronau M, McMullen R, Gerhards H. Clinic of Horses, Faculty of VeterinaryMedicine, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Germany.

IntroductionMelanomas have been identified frequently in the head and neck region of Gray horses. inhumans, melanomas of the eye ball have a distinctive MRI pattern. We were interested indetermining if this appearance could be identified in horses also.Material and methodsThree gray horses (14, 11 and 9 years old) with masses in the head region were studied.Masses showed slow growth, and diagnosis of melanoma was surgically confirmed. MR im-ages were acquired with a Siemens Magnetom Symphony (1.5 Tesla). Transversal, sagittal,and dorsal sections using both T1 and T2 weighted sequences, as well as fat tissue suppres-sion measurements were obtained.ResultsIn all three horses well demarcated and encapsulated masses were found. In comparison to thesurrounding musculature, the areas were hyperintense in the T1-weighted sequence, but lesshyperintense than fat tissue. In the T2-weighted sequences the tumors appeared hypointense.DiscussionIn humans, an increase in signal intensity during T1-weighted sequences, and a decrease insignal intensity during T2-weighted sequences are features of malignant uveal and intracerebralmelanomas. T1 and T2 measurements are shortened in comparison to other malignant tumors.Chronic inflammatory changes, as well as most tumors and tumor-like changes commonlyoccurring in the head region of horses, are characterized by middle to long T1 relaxation timeand long T2 relaxation time.ConclusionsThe melanomas identified in the three horses were associated with a different appearance inMRI, providing an additional diagnostic aid in identifying tumors of the equine head.

CERVICALMYELOPATHYSECONDARY TOCONGENITAL INCOMPLETEOSSIFICATIONOF THEDORSALLAMINAOF THEATLAS:CASEREPORTANDLITERATUREREVIEW

Owen MC, Davis SH, Worth AJ. Veterinary Teaching Hospital Institute of Veterinary, Animal& Biomedical Sciences Massey University, New Zealand.

IntroductionCongenital abnormalities of the cranial cervical vertebrae in dogs are only occasionally de-scribed in veterinary medicine, and have involved malformation of the dens, combined occi-pitoatlantoaxial malformations or occipital dysplasia. Isolated C1 congenital abnormalities arerare and may not produce neurological disease unless the abnormality predisposes the spinalcord to injury.Materials & MethodsA thirteen-week old Wirehaired Fox Terrier was presented to the hospital with acute neuro-logical deficits following a fall. Radiographs showed a widened atlantoaxial distance, which didnot alter during flexion views, and a suggestion of a deficient dorsal lamina to C1, but thepresence of normal transverse processes. The dens of C2 appeared normal. A CT was per-formed which showed the absence of the dorsal laminae of the atlas.ResultsSurgical stabilisation was considered, but conservative therapy of a neck brace and cage resthas returned the dog to normal neurological function.DiscussionThe atlas has three separate ossification centres – the body (ventral arch) and one on eachside combining the lateral arches and the transverse processes and meets in the midlinedorsally to form the dorsal lamina. The abnormality described here was unusual in that itinvolved only a portion of the dorsal lamina and did not include the transverse processes. C1congenital vertebral abnormalities are rare in both human and veterinary medicine. They ap-pear to predispose patients to myelopathies following often minor trauma. This case is unusualin that its appearance does not follow the normal ossification pattern of the developing atlas.

Bailey CS, Morgan JP. Congenital Spinal Malformations. Vet clinics of NA: small animal prac-tice 1992;22(4):985–1015. Watson AG, Evans HE & de Lahunta A. Ossification of the Atlas-Axis Complex in the Dog. Anat.Histol. Embryol. 1986;15:122–138.

MDCTATTENUATIONVALUESOF THELIVER INCANINEPITUITARY-DEPENDENTHYPE-RADRENOCORTICISM

Bertolini G1, Borsetto A1, Furlanello T2, Caldin M2. 1’San Marco’ Private Veterinary Clinic,Padova, Italy; 2’San Marco’ Private Veterinary Laboratory, Padova, Italy.

IntroductionHepatic steatosis may occur in association with canine pituitary dependent hype-radrenocorticism (PDH). In humans, a liver-to-spleen (L/S) computed tomography (CT) atten-uation values (CT number) ratio lt;1 is indicative of hepatic steatosis in Cushing syndrome.Materials and MethodsLiver and spleen CT numbers of dogs having clinical, clinicopathological, imaging evidence ofPDH, and histopathologic diagnosis of liver steatosis were recorded and compared with data ofdogs without any clinical, clinicopathological, and imaging evidence of liver/spleen disease. Alldogs underwent multidetector CT (MDCT) examination. Three 100 mm2 regions of interest(ROIs) were drawn on the liver and one on the spleen, in non-enhanced 2D multiplanar re-formatted images. Care was taken not to include any vessels in the ROIs. The mean values ofthe three liver ROIs and the splenic ROI were related (L/S). The standard deviation of each ROIwas also recorded, as well as the liver CT features.ResultsTwenty dogs (10 normal dogs and 10 with PDH) were recruited for the study (13 males, 7females, 10 years median age, 10 Kg median body weight). The mean values of the liver CTnumber were 62.04 � 5.33 and 60.76 � 5.56 respectively in normal dogs and in dogs withPDH. The L/S was 0.99 in normal dogs and 0.98 in dogs with PDH. Four dogs presented diffuseliver hypodensity and six dogs had focal hypodense lesions.Discussion-ConclusionsIn this preliminary study, the CT characteristics of the liver in canine PDH were determined.ReferencesBydder G M, Chapman R W, Harry D, Bassan L, Sherlock S, Kreel L, Computed tomographyattenuation values in fatty liver, J. Comput. Tomogr., 1981 Mar; 5 (1):33–35.Limanond P, Raman S S, Lassman C, Sayre J, Ghobrial R M, Busuttil R W, Saab S, Lu D S K,Macrovescicular Hepatic Steatosis in Living Related Liver Donors: correlation between CT andhistologic findings, Radiology 2004; 230:276–280.Piekarski J, Goldberg H I, Royal S A, Axel L, Moss A A, Difference between liver and spleen CTnumbers in the normal adult: its usefulness in predicting the presence of diffuse liver disease.Radiology, 1980; 137 (3): 727–729.Ricci C, Longo R, Gioulis E, Bosco M, Pollesello P, Masutti F, Croce L S, Paoletti S, De BernardB, Tiribelli C, Dalla Palma L, Noninvasive in vivo quantitative assessment of fat content inhuman liver, J.Hepatol., 1997 Jul; 27 (1):108–113.Rockall A G, Sohaib S A, Evans D, Kaltsas G, Isidori A M, Monson J P, Besser G M GrossmanA B and Reznek R H, Hepatic steatosis in Cushing’s syndrome: a radiological assessmentusing computed tomography. European Journal of Endocrinology 2003;149:543–548.

RADIOGRAPHICFEATURESOFPULMONARYEDEMAASSOCIATEDWITHMITRALREGURGITATIONINDOGS

Diana A, Sanacore A, Guglielmini C1, Pivetta M, Cepparulo A, Cipone M. University of Bo-logna, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Clinical Department, Ozzano dell’Emilia(BO), Italy; 1University of Teramo, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Teramo, Italy.

IntroductionAn asymmetric distribution of pulmonary edema (PE) has been documented in humans withmitral regurgitation (MR). On the contrary, few studies focused on the distribution of PE in dogswith MR. the purpose of this study was to evaluate the distribution of PE in dogs with MR.Materials and methodsThoracic radiographs of dogs diagnosed with MR from January 1998 to March 2007 werereviewed. Inclusion criteria were availability of 2 orthogonal projections and good quality tho-racic radiographs. Evaluation of shape and dimension of the cardiac silhouette, including cal-culation of the vertebral heart size (VHS), pulmonary vasculature, and aspect and distribution ofany interstitial and/or alveolar pattern was performed.ResultsPulmonary edema was diagnosed in 44 (34%) out of 130 dogs with MR. The VHS(mean � SD) of dogs with PE was 12.25 � 2.05. Vascular congestion was observed in 34/44dogs (77%). An interstitial pattern was evident in all dogs with PE and a combined interstitial-alveolar was found in 9 dogs (20%). A symmetric distribution of PE was found in 28/44 dogs(64%). An asymmetric distribution of PE was evidenced in 16 dogs (36%). Unique involvementof the right caudal lung lobe was observed in 13 dogs (30%), while unique involvement of themiddle and right caudal lung lobe, the left caudal lobe, and the right apical and caudal lobes wasfound in 1 dog (2%), respectively.Discussion-ConclusionUnique involvement of the right caudal lung lobe may be frequently observed in dogs with PEdue to MR.ReferencesSuter PF and Lord A, Text atlas. Thoracic Radiography. Thoracic disease of the dog and thecat. Wettswill (CH), Suter PF Eds, 1984: 558–567; Schynder P et al., AJR 1993; 161: 33–36;Grenon H and Bilodeau S, Can Assoc Radiol J 1994;45:97–100.

213ABSTRACTSVol. 49, No. 2

MORPHOMETRICANALYSISOF THECAUDALFOSSA INCAVALIERKINGCHARLESSPANIEL

Carrera I, Dennis R1, Sullivan M. Companion Animal Clinical Science, University of Glasgow,Glasgow, UK;1Animal Health Trust, Diagnostic Imaging, Newmarket, UK.

Introduction In humans, Chiari type I malformation is a disorder of the para-axial mesodermcharacterized by an underdevelopment of the posterior cranial fossa and an overcrowding ofthe normally developed hindbrain. This anomaly is a leading cause of syringohydromyelia(SHM) and can occur in association with osseous abnormalities at the cranio-vertebral junction.A similar disorder to human Chiari type I malformation occurs in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel(CKCS) dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the dimensions of the caudal fossa andsigns of occipital dysplasia in CKCS by morphometric studies.Materials and methods Seventy CKCS patients were selected in this study. Multiple mo-rphometric measurements (including linear, angular and area measures) were made usingmidline sagittal T2-weighted MRI scans. The results were compared to a control group whichconsisted of forty Labradors, and forty mesatephalic Spaniel breeds (Springer and CockerSpaniel). Several specific MRI findings were also recorded in CKCS patients, which includedamongst others the presence of SHM, displacement of the cerebellum, and signs of occipitaldysplasia.Results Statistically significant differences were detected between CKCS patients and thecontrol group (P¼0.01). All measurements indicated that both the depth and the surface areaof the caudal fossa were smaller in CKCS. When dividing CKCS into patients with SHM orwithout SHM, the former showed even more dramatic differences to the control group.Conclusion This study suggests that the bony components of the caudal fossa in CKCS arenot fully developed, being more severe in CKCS with SHM.

Aydin, S., H. Hanimoglu, et al. (2005). ‘‘Chiari type I malformations in adults: a morphometricanalysis of the posterior cranial fossa.’’ Surg Neurol 64(3): 237–41; discussion 241.Churcher, R. K. and G. Child (2000). ‘‘Chiari 1/syringomyelia complex in a King Charles Span-iel.’’ Aust Vet J 78(2): 92–5.Karagoz, F., N. Izgi, et al. (2002). ‘‘Morphometric measurements of the cranium in patients withChiari type I malformation and comparison with the normal population.’’ Acta Neurochir (Wien)144(2): 165–71; discussion 171.Lu, D., C. R. Lamb, et al. (2003). ‘‘Neurological signs and results of magnetic resonanceimaging in 40 cavalier King Charles spaniels with Chiari type 1-like malformations.’’ Vet Rec153(9): 260–3.Marin-Padilla, M. (1991). ‘‘Cephalic axial skeletal-neural dysraphic disorders: embryology andpathology.’’ Can J Neurol Sci 18(2): 153–69.Rusbridge, C. (2005). ‘‘Neurological diseases of the Cavalier King Charles spaniel.’’ J SmallAnim Pract 46(6): 265–72.Rusbridge, C., D. Greitz, et al. (2006). ‘‘Syringomyelia: current concepts in pathogenesis, di-agnosis, and treatment.’’ J Vet Intern Med 20(3): 469–79.Rusbridge, C., P. Knowler, et al. (2005). ‘‘Inherited occipital hypoplasia/syringomyelia in thecavalier King Charles spaniel: experiences in setting up a worldwide DNA collection.’’ J Hered96(7): 745–9.Rusbridge, C. and S. P. Knowler (2003). ‘‘Hereditary aspects of occipital bone hypoplasia andsyringomyelia (Chiari type I malformation) in cavalier King Charles spaniels.’’ Vet Rec 153(4):107–12.Rusbridge, C. and S. P. Knowler (2006). ‘‘Coexistence of occipital dysplasia and occipitalhypoplasia/syringomyelia in the cavalier King Charles spaniel.’’ J Small Anim Pract 47(10):603–6.Rusbridge, C., J. E. MacSweeny, et al. (2000). ‘‘Syringohydromyelia in Cavalier King Charlesspaniels.’’ J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 36(1): 34–41.Stovner, L. J., U. Bergan, et al. (1993). ‘‘Posterior cranial fossa dimensions in the Chiari Imalformation: relation to pathogenesis and clinical presentation.’’ Neuroradiology 35(2): 113–8.

FIRST THREEYEARSOFCTEXAMINATION INAPRIVATEPRACTICE IN ITALY

Vignoli M, Laganga P, Rossi F, Terragni R. Clinica Veterinaria dell’Orologio – Sasso Marconi(BO) – Italy.

Aim To present the CT caseload handled at the Clinica Veterinaria dell’Orologio during thefirst three years of activity.Material and Methods The CT studies were performed and read by two radiologists (VM,RF) using a spiral GE Pro Speed Power unit.Results 1051 animals were scanned, in some cases two different body areas were examinedso that a total of 1210 CT studies were performed. 772 (73.45%) cases were referred fromother Clinics, while 279 (26.54%) came to our Clinic as first opinion. of a total of 1051 animals,921 (87.63%) were dogs, 117 (11.13%) cats, 4 (0.38%) turtles, 4 (0.38%) rabbits, 2 (0.19%)aspis aspis, 1 (0.09%) prairie dog, 1 (0.09%) ferret and 1 (0.09%) wolf. of the 1210 CTsexaminations 348 (28.76%) were head examinations, 295 neurocranium and 53 splanchno-cranium (46 noses/retrobulbar spaces, 4 temporomandibular joints and 3 CT-guided radiofre-quency treatments), 320 (26.44%) spines, 295 (24.37%) chests, 133 (10.99%) abdomens (in76 cases combined thorax and abdomen scan was taken for tumor stadiation), 72 (5.95%)limbs, 24 (1.98%) pelvis, 18 (1.48%) necks (soft tissues). Of 320 spine examinations 52 weremyelo-CT, performed if the neurological localisation was uncertain or more then one lesion wassuspected. in 980 cases (285 spines, 283 heads, 183 chests, 75 limbs, 74 thorax-abdomens,45 abdomens, 23 pelvis and 12 necks) abnormalities were found. A total of 156 studies wereconsidered normal.Conclusions In our clinic, neurological cases represented more than one half of the CTexaminations performed in the first three years of activity.

HEMODYNAMICALTERATIONSCAUSEDBY 3 TYPESOF INTRAVENOUSCONTRASTMEDIA INANESTHETIZEDCATS

Pollard RE, Puchalski SM, Pascoe PJ. Department of Surgical and Radiological SciencesUniversity of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616.

Introduction The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence ofalterations in physiological parameters such as heart rate (HR) and peak systolic blood pres-sure (BP) associated with intravenous (IV) administration of ionic iodinated, non-ionic iodinatedand gadolinium contrast agents in anesthetized cats.Materials and Methods UC Davis SVM records were searched for cats receiving IV ioniciodinated (Conray), non-ionic iodinated (Isovue) and gadolinium (Magnevist) contrast agentsduring anesthesia between 4/2005–4/2006. For both control and study groups, HR and BPwere recorded at 5-minute intervals for 20min. Baseline data for each cat was defined as themeasurement immediately prior to contrast administration in the study group and 15 min afterthe beginning of the MRI in the control group. A � 15% change in HR or BP was considered aresponse. The percent change from baseline was calculated for each time point.Results 15/59 (25%) of cats receiving Conray had a response in HR at 1 or more time points.33/60 (55%) of cats receiving Conray had a response in BP. 4/11 (36%) of cats receiving Isovuehad a response in HR while 6/12 (50%) had a response in BP. 22/81 (27%) of cats receivingMagnevist had a response in HR while 33/83 (40%) had a response in BP. 3/34 (9%) of controlcats had a response in HR while 7/35 (20%) had a response in BP.Discussion/Conclusions Administration of IV iodine and gadolinium contrast agents is morecommonly associated with a � 15% change in HR and/or BP than control cats.

COMPUTEDTOMOGRAPHICANATOMYOF THEEQUINEMETACARPOPHALANGEAL JOINT

Vanderperren K1, Ghaye B2, Hoegaerts M3, Snaps F4, Saunders JH1. 1Ghent University,Veterinary Faculty, Department of Medical Imaging, Merelbeke, Belgium; 2University of Liege,University Hospital, Department of Medical Imaging, Liege, Belgium; 3Veterinary Clinic‘‘Visdonk’’, Roosendaal, the Netherlands; 4University of Liege, Veterinary faculty, Departmentof Clinical Sciences, Liege, Belgium.

Introduction Computed tomography (CT) has become an important diagnostic imaging mo-dality in the diagnosis of equine musculoskeletal disorders 1. The aim of this study was todescribe a detailed CT reference of the normal equine metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint.Materials and Methods CT of the MCP joint was performed on 4 normal equine cadaverforelimbs. In one of these limbs, CT was also achieved after intra-articular injection of 30 mlcontrast (40 mg iodine/ml). One-mm thick transverse slices were made (120kV, 160 mA) andsagittal and dorsal planes were reformatted with a slice thickness of 2 mm. The CT images werematched with corresponding anatomical slices.Results The third metacarpal bone (condyles, sagittal ridge), proximal sesamoid bones andproximal phalanx could be clearly visualised. The common digital extensor tendon, accessorydigital extensor tendon, lateral digital extensor tendon, superficial digital flexor tendon (includingmanica flexoria), deep digital flexor tendon, suspensory ligament (including its attachment),extensor branches of the suspensory ligament, collateral ligaments, straight, oblique and cruci-ate distal sesamoidean ligaments, palmar ligament, annular ligament and joint capsule could beobviously seen. The collateral sesamoidean ligaments and short distal sesamoidean ligamentscould be localized but not always clearly identified, while the metacarpointersesamoidean lig-ament could not be identified. The cartilage of the MCP joint could be evidently assessed on thepost-contrast sequence.Discussion-Conclusion CT of the equine MCP joint can be of great value when radiographyand ultrasonography are inconclusive. The images of this study will serve as a CT reference ofthe equine MCP joint.

1 Bienert A, Stadler P. Computed tomographic examination of the locomotor apparatus ofhorses-a review. Pferdeheilk 2006;22:218–226.

214 ABSTRACTS 2008

IMAGINGDIAGNOSTICOFGASTRICULCERS INDOGS - CASEREPORT

Vanja K, Nikola K, Darko M. 1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Equine and SmallAnimal disease, Belgrade, Serbia; 2Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Radiologyand Physiotherapy; 3Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology.

A 10-year old, mixed breed bitch was found upon clinical examination to have suffered of lack ofappetite and frequent vomiting of a whitish foamy content with traces of blood. The mucosaewere pale, body temperature 381C, heart and breathing rate 130/min and 20/min, respectively.Erythrocyte count was 5.5 � 1012/l and leukocyte count was 20 � 109. Biochemical param-eters were within the physiological limits.MethodsEndoscopic examination was carried out with the Xion

s

device. Ultrasonography was carriedout by Aloka 2000

s

device with 3.5 MHz and 7.5 MHz probes. Radiography was performed witha Selenos 4

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device with a focal length of 60–70cm and appropriate exposure. Histologicalsamples were examined under the light microscope.ResultsEndoscopic examination revealed hyperemia and oedema of the gastric mucosa with an ev-ident 4cm ulcerous defect filled with hemorrhagic content.Ultrasound examination revealed an anechogenic shadow of the fundus wall 9.1 mm thick. Inthe lumen, a hypoechogenic defect of the wall, filled with a coagulum was prominent.The barium contrast roentgenogram showed dysplastic mucosa on the cranioventral gastricmargin. The mucosal defect, filled with barium contrast had an irregular bud-shape silhouette.The gastric caudal margin displayed a prominent proliferation in the lumen mucosa.Upon histological examination, it was established that the defect reached the tunica musculariswith proliferating connective tissue in the ulcus floor. Tissue samples taken from the margins ofthe ulcus contained an infiltrate which consisted of lymphocytes, plasmocytes, and macro-phages.

SCLEROTHERAPYWITHOUTDRAINAGEOF 95%ETHANOLFORTREATMENTOFANEURISMALBONECYST INADOG

Agut A, Soler M, Murciano J, Belda E, Guillem R. University of Murcia. Departamento deMedicina y Cirugıa Animal. Murcia. Spain.

IntroductionAn aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is an expansible osteolytic lesion with a thin wall and blood-filled. ABC is rare in dogs. Amputation, bloc resection, and curettage with cancellous bone grafthave been reported as effective treatments. To the best of the authors’ knowledge the treatmentof an ABC with percutaneous injection of a fibrosing agent has not been reported in the dog. Wedescribe an ABC in the ulna of a dog treated by sclerotherapy.Material and MethodsA three-month-old female, St Bernard was referred with left forelimb lameness and painfulswelling of the antebrachium region. On radiographs, a geographic lysis of the dyaphises of theulna, with thinning of the cortices and several septa dividing the lytic structure into chamberswere noted. Brachial arteriography was performed. A cyst-like structure with hypoechoic fluidcontent was seen by ultrasonography. A sanguineous fluid was obtained from it and thenanalysed. On the basis of theses findings, ABC diagnosis was made. Under ultrasonographicguidance, cystic fluid was aspirated and then a volume of 95% ethanol equivalent to 25% of theaspirated volume was injected into the cavity and left there. Radiographic examinations weremade at 15 days, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the treatment.ResultsPainful inflammatory reaction occurred following the injection. The radiological healing wasprogressive, and classified as good at 12 months after treatment.ConclusionPercutaneous sclerotherapy with ethanol is a safe alternative to conventional surgery for thetreatment of an ABC.ReferencesBarnhart MD. Malignant transformation of an aneurismal bone cyst in a dog. Vet Surgery,31:519–524. 2002.Dowdle SM, Spotswood TC, Lambrechts NE; Duncan NM. Aneurysmal bone cyst in the distalradius of a dog:diagnostic imaging and surgical treatment. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol, 16:116–121. 2003.Topouchian V, Mazda K, Hamze, B, Laredo JD, Pennecot GF. Aneurysmal bone cysts inchildren: complications of fibrosing agent injection. Radiology, 232: 522–526. 2004.

CLINICIAN’SGUIDETOTHECOMPUTERTOMOGRAPHICANDGROSSANATOMYOF THESANDTIGERSHARK (CARCHARIASTAURUS)

Mairi Frame E1, Scott PW2, Macdonald AA3, MacLean KA4. 1Diagnostic Imaging Service,Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, theUniversity of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG; 2Zoo & Aquatic Vet-erinary Group, Biotope Ltd, Keanter, Stoke Charity Rd, Kings Worthy, Winchester, SO23 7LS;3Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies,the University of Edinburgh, Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1QH; 4Scottish Agricultural College,West Mains Road Edinburgh EH9 3JG.

IntroductionOur aim was to obtain anatomical data from a sandtiger shark cadaver using CT imaging andfrozen sections, relating these to external landmarks to provide a reference of applied anatomyfor the shark clinician.Materials and MethodsA two metre, 100kg male, captive sandtiger shark (Carcharias taurus) was presented imme-diately post mortem for imaging. Spiral computed tomography (CT)� was performed to evaluatea suspected spinal injury and to provide anatomical data. The shark was positioned in ventralrecumbency to simulate normal body position and organ distribution. Contiguous 5mm slices ofthe entire length of the cadaver were made using exposure values of 130kV and 67mA. Thecadaver was frozen and later sectioned using a band saw. Ten 10 cm thick sections were madeat levels predetermined to coincide with CT slices to demonstrate key areas of anatomicalinterest. Positioning in lateral recumbency was necessary during this procedure to avoid ex-ceeding the height of the band saw.ResultsComparison of the CT sections with the corresponding anatomical sections greatly enhancedunderstanding of the sectional anatomy and provided an overview of the location and extent ofindividual organs relative to palpable external landmarks.DiscussionThe size of the patient was challenging. Since its length exceeded that of the CT table, it wasnecessary to turn the shark part way through the examination. The height of the animal pre-cluded making the frozen sections in ventral recumbency. The resultant variation in slice shapebetween CT and frozen section did not adversely affect interpretation.

COMPARISONOF THEARTERIALBLOODSUPPLYOF THELUMBARSPINE INDOG,SWINEANDRABBITBYCE-MRA

Sager M, Assheuer J. Heinrich-Heine-University, Dusseldorf, Germany;Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Koln, Germany.

IntroductionDog, swine and rabbit are frequently used species in animal spine models. The validity ofexperimental animal models is very close related to the comparability of the anatomical andphysiological conditions. The purpose of this study was to delineate differences in the arterialblood supply of the lumbar spine in these species by use of contrast enhanced magneticresonance angiography (CE-MRA).Material and MethodsThe MR- angiographic studies were performed in 10 dogs of different breeds, 6 NZW-rabbitsand 6 Troll

s

minipigs in general anaesthesia. The MR-images were acquired on a 1.5 Teslarscanner (Magnetom Symphony, Siemens). Coils were chosen dependent on the animal’s size.MR-angiography was performed using contrast enhanced angiography (CE-MRA). After IVadministration of 0,16 mmol/kg of bodyweight (0.33ml/kg) Gd-contrast medium in the V. an-tebrachii respective the ear vein a set of 8 dynamic successive 3D time-of-flight acquisitionsorientated dorsal to the spine was started the data were post processed by the maximum-intensity projection manner (MIP). The vessels were identified in the post processed imagesusing slice-by-slice technique and by comparison with images illustrated in anatomical text-books.ResultsThe following vessels and branches can be described in all species: ramification of the ab-dominal aorta, ramification and different origin of lumbar arteries with ventral and dorsalbranches, later in time from the venous system the internal vertebral venous plexus and in dogonly the basivertebral veins of the vertebral bodies. The lumbar arteries of the pig showed thelowest signal intensities representing less arterial blood supply. Very distinct intraforaminalvessels and also very marked lumbar arteries were constantly depicted in the rabbit’s spine.These arteries arise mostly in the different segments as a singular common branch from theaorta which divides shortly ventral the vertebral body. In pig there is usually only a shortcommon trunk. In rabbit and pig a very short circulation time makes the differentiation betweenarteries and veins more difficult than in dogs.ConclusionThe exact knowledge of the anatomy of the vessels is necessary to delineate potential changesin circulatory patterns by drugs, aging or pathological conditions.

215ABSTRACTSVol. 49, No. 2

ARTERIOGRAPHIC STUDYOF THEBODYCAVITY INTHECOMMONSTORK (CICONIACICONIA)

Barreiro A, Fdz. de Troconiz P1, Vila M, Lopez A. University of Santiago de Compostela.Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Lugo, Spain. Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences;1Department of Anatomy and Animal Production.

IntroductionIn order to establish the arterial pattern of the coelomic cavity of the Common Stork (Ciconiaciconia), an arteriographic study was carried out by means of a postmorten technique.Material and methodsFive mature specimens of Common Stork (Ciconia ciconia) of both sexes brought lifeless fromthe wild animal recovery center of O VERAL-LUGO, or euthanized because of irreversiblewounds, were used. Three of them were studied fresh and the other two were fixed by infusionof 10% formalin through the external jugular veins. Arteriographies were performed in freshanimals after injection of a 150% Pb3O4 solution as contrast medium via internal carotidarteries. Contrast radiographs and routine dissection were been performed.ResultsPictures of the anatomical dissection and radiological projections with their correspondingschemes were shown.Discussion/conclusionThe distribution of arteries in Ciconia ciconia closely follows the model of the N.A.A. (1), similarto what was described in Buteo buteo (2). The differences found when comparing with seabirds(3) encourage our aim in deepening our knowledge of blood flow in wild birds.

1. Handbook of avian anatomy: Nomina Anatomica Avium. 2nd. Edition. Edited by J.J. Baumel.Editorial Cambridge. Massachusetts. 1993.2. Vila, M.; Barreiro, A.; Fdz.de Troconiz, P.; Lopez, A.; Barreiro, J.D. ‘‘Arteriographic study ofthe body cavity in birds of prey: Common Buzzard’’. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound, 44/2:232. 2003.3. Barreiro, A.;. Fernandez-Troconiz, P.; Lopez, A.M.; Vila, M.; Cerdeira, T. ‘‘Arteriographicstudy of the body cavity in seabirds: Northern Gannet (Sula bassana). Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound,47/4:430. 2006.

IMAGINGOFRETROBULBARMASSES INDOGSANDCATS:RETROSPECTIVESTUDYOF16 CASES.

Hoffmann AC1, Busoni V2, Monclin S3, Snaps F2. 1Faculty of Veterinary of Liege - Departmentof Clinical Sciences - Small Animal Section - Belgium; 2Faculty of Veterinary Medecine -Department of Clinical Sciences - Diagnostic Imaging Section - University of Liege - Belgium;3Faculty of Veterinary of Liege - Department of Clinical Sciences - Ophthalmology Section -Belgium.

IntroductionAdvances in imaging technology have changed the evaluation methods of retrobulbar tissues.The objectives of this poster was to describe imaging findings in patients with retrobulbarmasses and to attempt to correlate imaging and tissue diagnosis.MethodsHospital records were reviewed to select cats and dogs with a retrobulbar mass that underwentan imaging assessment and for whom a cytological or histopathological diagnosis was avail-able. Clinical signs, imaging findings and cyto/histopathology were reviewed.ResultsSeven dogs had undergone ultrasonography and radiography. A cavitary lesion was recognizedultrasonographically in 2 dogs with a retrobulbar abscess. Three masses were heterogeneousat US and were neoplasms. One out of the 6 neoplasms showed an orbital bone lesion onradiographs. One case showed retrobulbar hyperechogenic fat at US and was diagnosed as aretrobulbar cellulitis. Nine cases had undergone cross-sectional imaging (5 CT and 4 MRI). Twohad an imaging diagnosis of salivary mucocele, 1 was diagnosed as a dental abcess, 5 asneoplasms, 1 as myositis. Cyto/histopathology confirmed the imaging diagnosis. Five retrobul-bar tumors were secondary to an aggressive sinonasal neoplasia. An invasion of masticatorymuscles, zygomatic gland, nasal cavity or frontal sinus was seen in six neoplasms.ConclusionAs in literature, the most common diagnosis in this study was malignant neoplasia and fourtumors were primary. Ultrasonography correlated well with the final cyto/histological diagnosis.Sectional imaging (CT and MRI) provided the best detail of retrobulbar tissue and the bestevaluation of the extent of the disorder.

ASEVERITYSCORINGSYSTEM (SSS) FORRADIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS (RF) INTHELIMBSOFYOUNGHORSES

Lepeule J1, Robert C2, Bareille N1, Valette JP, Jacquet S, Seegers H1, Denoix JM2. 1AnimalHealth Management Group, Nantes, France; 2Unite de Biomecanique et Pathologie Loco-motrice du Cheval, Maisons-Alfort, France.

BackgroundRadiography is considered an important additional diagnostic procedure to determine the osteo-articular status of horses, and frequently, the price of horses depends on it (van Hoogmoed etal. 2003). The purpose was to provide a SSS for RF applies to all limb joints that could be x-rayed with a mobile unit, and to evaluate its internal consistency.MethodsA standardised scoring system of RF based on 4 criteria (the size, associated complications,position in the joint, and interference with joint motion) applied to multiple limb joints wasdeveloped to assess the severity of RF. To assess the consistency of the SSS, the severity ofRF was graded twice by the same three experienced equine veterinarians who gave a commonassessment. Then, 551 anatomical sites located on the front- and hind-limb digits, the carpi, thehock, and the stifle were evaluated.ResultsOverall agreement on the presence/absence of RF was good with a kappa of 0.63 [ConfidenceInterval (CI) 95%¼ 0.56–0.69], and was excellent for the severity of RF with an intraclasscorrelation coefficient (ICC) of 0.82 [CI 95%¼0.75–0.87]. The carpi displayed the worseagreement results, which could be due to several osseous structures implying difficult inter-pretation of X-rays.ConclusionOur results have shown that the SSS of RF for young horses was a stable and reliable intra-observer procedure for most limb joints. It may be used in routine practice to assess the RFseverity in young horses.

van Hoogmoed, L. M., Snyder, J. R., Thomas, H. L. and Harmon, F. A. (2003) Retrospectiveevaluation of equine prepurchase examinations performed 1991-2000. Equine Vet. J. 35 (4),375–381.

ACCURACYOF TRANS-RECTALULTRASONOGRAPHY TOASSESSTHENUMBEROFOVARIANPRE-OVULATORYFOLLICLES INSOWS

Bolarin A, Vazquez JM, Parrilla I, Vazquez JL, Martinez EA, Roca J. University of Murcia,Veterinary Science, Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery. 30100 Murcia. Spain.

IntroductionB-mode ultrasonography is used for monitoring ovarian activity and in predicting ovulation timein pigs. However, their accuracy to determine the number of pre-ovulatory follicles (pre-OF) hasnot been evaluated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the accuracy of trans-rectalultrasound (trU) for assessing the number of pre-OF in sows.Material and MethodsOvaries of 63 hormonally treated (eCG/hCG) weaned sows were checked by trU (7.5 MHz) atthree times: 12h (as a control to check the feasibility of the trU examination and assess theovarian healthy), and 24–25 h and 37–38 h (to check the number of pre-OF) post hCG treat-ment. The ovaries were classified into three groups according to the number of pre-OF: (A) o7,(B) 7 to 14, and (C) 414. After the second trU-checking, the real number of pre-OF wascounted using laparoscopy exploration (L).ResultsA significant correlation (r¼ 0.724; Po0.01) was found between pre-OF counted by trU and L.However, within each group, the correlation was significant only in A (r¼ 0.525; Po0.05) and C(r¼0.752; Po0.01) groups. The trU undervalue the number of pre-OF (2.59 less thanL, Po0.001). However, the undervaluation varied among groups. It was not significant in A(0.1 more than L, P40.05), and significant (Po0.001) in B (2.16 less than L) and C (5.67 lessthan L).ConclusionTrU is a good procedure to estimate the number of pre-OF in sows, but undervalue it when thenumber is more high than 6.Supported by MEC-DGI (AGF2005-00760) and SENECA (03002/PI/05), Spain.

216 ABSTRACTS 2008

EVALUATIONOFRADIOGRAPHICAL FINDINGSOF THEPELVIS INCATSWITHDYSTOCIA

Yilmazbas G1, Seyrek Intas K1, Celimli N2, Keskin A1, Kumru IH1, Seyrek Intas D2. 1Ob-stetrics and Gynecology Department, Uludag University, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineBursa/Turkey; 2Surgery Department, Uludag University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Bur-sa/Turkey.

IntroductionOne of the main reasons of maternal dystocia is the congenital or acquired narrowing of thebirth canal (1,2,4). Pelvic narrowing/deformation may occur due to malunion of a previouslyfractured pelvis or metabolic disorders such as rickets or secondary nutritive hype-rparathyroidism (2,3,4). The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiological findings of thepelvis causing dystocia in native Turkish cats.Material and MethodsForty-three queens between 0.5–6 years were presented with dystocia to the Clinic forObstetrics and Gynecology, Uludag University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine between 1995–2007. After clinical, ultrasonographical and radiographical examinations en-bloc ovariohyster-ectomy was performed.ResultsTwelve (28%) out of 43 queens with dystocia showed a deformation/narrowing of the pelvisradiographically. Seven cats had old fractures at different regions of the pelvis and six of themhad a narrowed pelvic canal. Regions of the fractures (n¼ 13) were acetabulum (n¼5), body ofilium (n¼ 3), ischiatic table (n¼ 3) and cranial ramus of pubis (n¼ 2). Five cats had defor-mations of both pelvic bones and lumbar vertebrae following rickets/secondary nutritive hype-rparathyroidism resulting in a narrow birth canal.Discussion and ConclusionAs these cats are free-living animals they are more prone to nutritional deficiencies/imbalances,and pathological or traumatic fractures and its consequences may stay unobserved. This is whywe encountered quite a high rate of traumatic/developmental pelvic narrowing compared toother studies (2,4). To prevent life-threatening dystocia for queen and kittens, radiographicexamination of the pelvis before mating (2), or, if breeding is not intended, castration of free-living cats is recommended.

1. Feldman EC, Nelson RW: Feline Reproduction. in: Canine and Feline Endocrinology andReproduction, 3rd Ed, Saunders comp., 20042. Jackson PGG: Handbook of Veterinary Obstetrics, 2nd Ed, Dystocia in the dog and cat,Saunders comp., 20043. Kealy KJ, McAllister H, Diagnostic Radiology Ultrasonography of the dog and cat, ElsevierSaunders, 4th Ed, 20054. Sohst S, Munich A, Grussel T, Sohst E, Busch W: Evaluations of clinical dates about dystociain cats, Kleintierpraxis 48 (12), 745–754, 2003.

ABSCESSONLEFT THORACICWALLDUETORETICULARFOREIGNBODY

Omidi A, Ghadiri AR. 1Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University ofBirjand. Birjand, Iran; 2Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University ofShahid Chamran, Ahvaz, Iran.

Penetrating reticular foreign body is a cause of traumatic reticulitis, parareticular abscessation,or peritonitis. An extrareticular wire or nail is the most likely cause of reticulitis or peritonitis in ananimal with compatible clinical signs. An immobile reticular foreign body may be trapped in thereticular mucosa, penetrating a mucosal fold, or piercing the wall of the reticulum. Some wireshave an unusually pattern of movement. In some cases five cows with abscess on posterior ofleft humerus were examined clinically, haematologically, radiographically and ultrasonograph-ically. They all had clinical signs including chronic indigestion, pyrexia, an absence or reducedruminal motility and weight loss. A hematological examination revealed anemia, increasedconcentrations of plasma protein and fibrinogen. Radiography revealed foreign bodies pene-trating the reticulum of some cows. All of these foreign bodies were visualised by ultrasono-graphy revealed a large reticular abscess with a well developed capsule appeared asechogenic deposits that sometimes accompanied by hypoechogenic fluid. Abscesses had anechogenic capsule with a hypoechogenic center. The abscess was elongated toward left tho-racic wall and appeared in posterior of left humerus. In one case the tip of wire was seen onabscess surface. The abscess was incised and drained from body surface and reticulum duringa rumenotomy. All the cows after abscess drainage and treatment with antibiotics recoveredtheir health.

Braun U, Gotz M, Marmier O. Ultrasonographic findings in cows with traumatic reticuloperi-tonitis. Vet Rec. 1993 Oct 23;133(17):416–22.Braun U, Iselin U, Lischer C, Fluri E. Ultrasonographic findings in five cows before and aftertreatment of reticular abscesses. Vet Rec. 1998 Feb 21;142(8):184–9.Farrow CS. Reticular foreign bodies. Causative or coincidence? Vet Clin North Am Food AnimPract. 1999 Jul;15(2):397–408.

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHICFEATURESOFQUADRICUSPIDAORTICVALVE INTHREEBOXERDOGS

Della Santa D, Vannini S, Domenech O, Bussadori C. Vetsuisse Faculty – University of Bern -Division of Clinical Radiology - Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine – Bern, Switzer-land Clinica Veterinaria Gran Sasso – Milano, Italy.

IntroductionQuadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a rare congenital heart defect in which four, rather thanthree, aortic valvular cusps are present. Only three cases have been reported in the dog. In thepresent paper the echocardiographic findings detected in three affected boxers are described.Materials and methodsThe archives of the Clinica Veterinaria Gran Sasso (Milano, Italy) and Department of VeterinaryClinical Sciences of the University of Pisa (Italy) were searched for cases of quadricuspid aorticvalve in boxer dogs.ResultsThree cases of QAV were retrieved. QAV, severe aortic insufficiency, left ventricular volumeoverload and hypokinesis were identified in a ten-year-old male boxer evaluated because ofexercise intolerance. In the second case, quadricuspid aortic morphology was associated withmoderate subaortic stenosis in an asymptomatic six-month-old female boxer evaluated be-cause of a systolic heart murmur. In the third case, QAV was observed in an asymptomaticfour-year-old female boxer evaluated because of a systolic heart murmur; the abnormality wasresponsible for moderate aortic insufficiency and was associated with mild thickening of theaortic leaflets and moderate valvular aortic stenosis. In the latter two cases, echocardiographydid not show enlargement of any cardiac chamber.DiscussionQAV is a rare condition, often diagnosed incidentally by echocardiography and not responsiblefor relevant hemodynamic consequences. Nevertheless associated aortic insufficiency maypossibly lead to significant left ventricular volume overload. A breed predisposition might exist inboxers, where QAV can occur isolated or associated with other abnormalities of the aortic valveapparatus.

Sisson DD, Riepe R. Congenital quadricuspid aortic valve anomaly in two dogs. J Vet Cardiol2000;2:25–28 Kettner F, Cote E, Kirberger RM. Quadricuspid aortic valve and associatedabnormalities in a dog. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2005;41:406–412.

DIAGNOSTICOCULARULTRASONOGRAPHY INDONKEYS

El-Maghraby HM, Al-Akraa AM. Diagnostic Imaging Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty ofVeterinary Medicine, Benha University, Egypt.

The ultrasonographic evaluation of the eyes of 20 donkeys was studied by using all purposescanners. Many ocular pathological lesions in donkeys were illustrated by using B-mode ul-trasonograms as capsular and cortical cataract, luxated lens, vitreal hemorrhage, retinal sep-aration and panophthalmitis. This study proved that using all purpose scanners and 7.5 MHztransducers gives excellent degree of reliability, good penetration for ophthalmic use with ex-cellent resolution for examination of the ocular lesions in donkeys. Evaluation of different tech-niques for examination of the eye (corneal contact, eyelid contact and using stand off) showedthat corneal contact was more suitable for examination of the eye and orbit in donkeys in spiteof the poor definition of the anterior chamber and cornea. The most common encounteredartifacts were studied and evaluated. This study proved that ophthalmic diagnostic ultrasound indonkeys is a valuable, safe, painless and non invasive technique.

Bently, E, Miller, PE and Diehl, KA: Use of high-resolution ultrasound as a diagnostic tool inveterinary ophthalmology. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2003 Dec 1;223(11):1617–22, 1599.Gelatt KN. Veterinary Ophthalmology.’’ 3rd ed, Lea & Febiger, 1999, Philadelphia. Scotty, NC;Cutler, TJ; Brooks, DE and Ferrel, E: Diagnostic ultrasonography of equine lens and posteriorsegment abnormalities. Vet Ophthalmol. 2004 Mar–Apr;7(2):127–39.

217ABSTRACTSVol. 49, No. 2

RADIOGRAPHICANDMRI FINDINGSOFNASALLYMPHOMA.ACASEREPORT INASIAMESECAT

Arvanitis G. SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, ATHENS, GREECE.

Lymphoma is a malignancy of the lymphoid tissue. There are four types of lymphoma: 1multicentric, 2 mediastinal, 3 alimentary, and 4 extranodal. In cats, the extranodal lymphomaincludes the nasopharyngeal, ocular, renal, and neural lymphomas. A 14 years old, 3,450Kg,male castrated, Siamese cat was presented with a history of depression, anorexia, sneezing,stertor, weight loss, nasal discharge, and dacryorrhea of the right eye. The symptoms begun 2months ago and they were deteriorating. The cat has been treated for about 1.5 months withantibiotics without clinical improvement. In physical examination the cat was sneezing, has amucosanguineous nasal discharge from the right nostril and serous discharge from the righteye, and stertor mainly during inspiration. In palpation mandibular lymph nodes were enlarged.The cat was slightly dehydrated (2–3%) and its haircoat was dull. Otherwise the physicalexamination was normal. Laboratory findings were within normal range apart from a slightelevation in serum globulins. The test for FeLV and FIV were negative. The cat was sedatedand underwent radiography of the skull and of the thorax. In the DV view of the skull there was adiffuse soft tissue opacity in the right nasal cavity, ethmoturbinates and frontal sinuses withoutbone destruction or deviation of the nasal septum. No abnormalities were detected in the rightlateral thoracic radiograph. The radiological differential diagnosis was: 1 nasal neoplasia, 2chronic rhinitis, 3 nasal foreign body, and 4 nasal polyps. Abdominal ultrasonography wasunremarkable. An MRI of nasal cavities and cranium was performed in a human private practicewith a 1T scanner. The cat was under general anaesthesia, in dorsal recumbency, and a headcoil was used. T1- and T2-weighted sequences were performed in the sagittal, transverse, andcoronal planes. the right nasal cavity was occupied by a soft tissue mass which was extendedto the ethmoturbianates and frontal sinuses. There was no intracranial extension. A blind biopsywas taken from the right nostril of the cat. For that purpose was used a small dogs’ urinarycatheter with a deliberately oblique cut at its end. Five fragments of tissue measuring 0.5–1.5cm was sent to a veterinary laboratory. The histopathologic diagnosis was high gradelymphoma of nasal mucous membranes. After 2 months of chemotherapy the cat has improvedboth clinically and radiographically. In the DV view there were no abnormalities detected.

1. Allen, H.S., Broussard, J., Noone, K. (1999) Nasopharyngeal Diseases in Cats: A retro-spective Study of 53 Cases (1991–1998). Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association,35, 457–461.2. Chang, Y., Thompson, H., Reed, N., and Penderis, J. (2006) Clinical and magnetic res-onance imaging features of nasopharyngeal lymphoma in two cats with concurrent intracranialmass. Journal of Small Animal Practice 47, pp 678–681.3. Coulson, A. with Lewis, N. (2002) An Atlas of Interpretative Radiographic Anatomy of the Dog& Cat. 1st edn. Blackwell Publishing Ltd., Oxford, U.K. pp. 440–441.4. Lamb, Christopher R. (2006) Skull-nasal chambers and frontal sinuses. In: BSAVA Manual ofCanine and Feline Muskuloskeletal imaging. 1st edn. BSAVA, Quedgeley, U.K. pp 192–205.5. Myer W. (1998) Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses. In: Thrall D.E. Textbook of VeterinaryDiagnostic Rdiology, 3rd edn. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A. pp 59–65.6. Petite, A.F.B., Dennis, R. (2006) Comparison of radiography and magnetic resonanceimaging for evaluating the extent of nasal neoplasia in dogs. Journal of Small Animal Practice47, pp 529–536.7. Russo, M., Lamb, C.R., Jakovljevic, S. (2000) Distinguishing rhinitis and nasal neoplasia byradiography. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound, 41, pp 118–124.

ABDOMINALULTRASOUNDANDTHORACICRADIOGRAPH INDOGSWITHPRIMARY IMMUNE-ME-DIATEDHEMOLYTICANEMIA

Cruz - Arambulo R, Mitchell K, Kruth S. University of Guelph, Clinical Studies, Guelph,Canada.

Introduction Primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a common cause ofanemia in dogs. To the author’s knowledge, the ultrasonographic and radiological findingsassociated with this syndrome have not been described.Materials and methods Abdominal ultrasound and thoracic radiographs were performed on27 dogs with primary IMHA.Results Ultrasonographic abnormalities were detected in 59.3% (16/27) of the dogs. 11/27had hepatic, 7/27 had splenic and 1/27 had renal abnormalities, respectively. The dog with renalabnormalities also had splenic changes (patchy hypoechoic areas in both kidneys and markedlysplenomegaly with patchy hypoechoic nodules and a heteroechoic nodule with anechoic le-sions). 29% (8/27) of the dogs had only a small amount of abdominal fluid. One liver with illdefined hypoechoic small nodules had cholestasis and extramedullary hematopoesis (EMH).One spleen with a single heteroechoic nodule had nodular lymphoid hyperplasia. Ill definedirregular shape hypoechoic nodules in the spleen and both kidneys were multiple acute infarcts.One dog with hepatic multiple ill defined hypoechoic nodules and mild splenomegaly withnormal echogenicity had EMH in liver and spleen and steroid hepatopathy. Thoracic radio-graphs were abnormal in 18.6% (5/27). Abnormalities included a small amount of pleuraleffusion (2/5), mild atrial enlargement (MAE) (1/5), MAE with mild pulmonary edema (1/5) andmixed alveolar interstitial pattern (1/5).Discussion-Conclusion Hepatic and splenic abnormalities are commonly identified by ul-trasonography in dogs with primary IMHA. These lesions appear to be associated with EMH orlymphoid hyperplasia. We hypothesize that small effusions are associated with vasculitis and/orfluid therapy.

COMPARISONOF IODIXANOLWITH IOHEXOL INEXCRETORYUROGRAPHYOFCAT

Ghadiri A, Avizeh R, Ghaderi Z. Shahid Chamran University, Faculty of Veterinary Medsicine,Department of Clinial Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.

Introduction The aim of the study was to investigate differences in image quality between anon-ionic dimeric and isotonic iodinated X-ray contrast medium Iodixanol, (Visipaque) and anon-ionic monomer contrast medium Iohexol, (Omnipaque) in cat excretory urography.Materials and Methods Ten adult healthy cats were studied after injection of iodixanol320 mgI/ml and iohexol 300 mgI/ml. the dose for every cat was 400mgI/kg of body weight ofboth agents. Ventrodorsal and left to right lateral radiographs of the abdomen were obtainedimmediately (0), 1, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 60 min after injection. After completion of the study, theradiographs obtained were evaluated and compared independently by a radiologist who wasunaware of the contrast agent used. the urogram was scored and analyzed for statisticalsignificance.Results Diagnostically adequate urographic examinations were obtained with both agents.Nephrographic and pyelographic phases were visualized with both contrast media. Immediatelyafter, 1, 5, 10 and 20 min after administration of iodixanol the quality of nephrograms weresignificantly better than iohexal. Pyelocalyceal system and ureters were visible with each agent5 min after injection in all cats. On the 10 and 20 min radiographs, the density of thepyelocalyceal system and ureters were significantly better with the iodixanol than iohexolgroups. Evaluation of each phase of the radiographic study showed almost uniform good-to-excellent opacification. No adverse event occurred.Discussion Iodixanol proved effective contrast material for intravenous urography in cats andat the dose of 400mgI/kg of body weight produces urograms of better quality than iohexol.

Agut A, Murciano J, Sanchez-Valverde MA, Laredo FG, Tovar MC (1999): Comparison ofdifferent doses of iohexol with amidotrizoate for excretory urography in cats. Res Vet Sci.Aug;67(1):73–82.Feeny, D.A. and Johnston, G.R. (2002): the kidney and ureters in Thrall, D.E. (Ed). Textbook ofVeterinary Diagnostic Radiology. 4th ed. W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, pp: 556–570.

MAGNETICRESONANCE IMAGING INALABRADORRETRIEVERWITHLEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY

Flatz Katharina M, Bruehschwein A, Holz I, Foltin I, Matiasek K, Matis U. 1,2,3,6Department ofVeterinary Surgery, University of Munich, Germany 4 Praxis Dr. Rieden, Heidelberg, Ger-many;/sup>Chair of General Pathology & Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Uni-versity of Munich, Germany.

Introduction MRI is a well-established method of diagnosing leukoencephalopathy in humanmedicine. Leukoencephalopathy has also been described in the veterinary literature.Material and Method A 12-year-old Labrador retriever was presented with episodes of pro-gressive head tremor and front limb weakness. The patient had difficulty rising and stumbledwhile walking. Postural reactions were normal in the front limbs and delayed in both hind limbs.The cervical spine was slightly painful on extension. MRI of the brain and cervical spinal cordwas carried out at 1.5 Tesla. The T2-TSE and FLAIR sequences showed bilateral symmetrichyperintensities within the periventricular white matter of the parietal and occipital lobes. Thespinal cord showed no abnormal signal intensities. Based on the MRI findings, the differentialdiagnosis included leukoencephalopathy, edema and multilobar CNS tumours. The neurolog-ical signs worsened during the following year, all postural reactions were delayed. A secondMRI examination was carried out. No significant changes in size and signal intensities weredetected in the hyperintense areas that were seen in the T2-weighted images the year before.The lateral ventricles were larger than in the previous images, probably due to loss of peri-ventricular parenchyma.Results Because of the severity of the clinical signs, the dog was euthanased and underwenta postmortem examination. The diagnosis of a bilateral leukoencephalopathy was confirmed byhistological examination.Conclusion Leukoencephalopathies are rare in dogs, but should be considered in the differ-ential diagnosis when there is bilaterally increased signal intensity of cerebral white matter inT2-weighted MR images.Bagley, Rodney S., ‘‘Fundamentals of veterinary clinical neurology’’-1st ed., 2005; BlackwellPublishing Company; Oxford (UK), Carlton (AUS) Dewey, Curtis W., ‘‘A practical guide tocanine and feline Neurology’’, 2003, Blackwell Publishing Company, Iowa (USA) Jaggy, A.‘‘Atlas und Lehrbuch der Kleintierneurologie’’, 2004, Schlutersche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH &Co. KG, Hannover (GER) Assheuer, J.; Sager, M. ‘‘MRI and CT Atlas of the Dog’’, 1999,Blackwell Publishing Company; Oxford (UK), Gamble, D.; Chrisman, C. ‘‘A le-ukoenchephalomyelopathy of rottweiler dogs’’, 1984 May; 21(3):274–80, Vet Pathol. Dahnert,W. ‘‘Radiology Review Manual’’-5th ed., 2003; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Philadelphia (USA).

218 ABSTRACTS 2008

THEUSEOF INTRA-ARTICULARAIR INLOWFIELDMRARTHROGRAPHY (MRAR) FORTHEARTIFI-CIALLYPRODUCEDCARTILAGELESIONSDETECTIONONEQUINEMETACARPOPHALANGEALJOINT

Zani D1, Scandella M2, Biggi M1, Romano L1, Travetti O1, Di Giancamillo M1. 1Fac. di Med.Vet., Dip. di Sc. Clin. Vet., Sez. di Rad. Vet. Clin.e Sper., Ospedale dei Grandi Animali, Lodi,Italia; 2Fac. di Med. Vet., Dip. di Sc. Clin. Vet., Sez. di Clin. Chir. Vet., Ospedale dei GrandiAnimali, Lodi, Italia.

The present research was conducted to assess the capability of air in magnetic resonancearthrography (MRAr) in order to investigate articular cartilage lesions of equine meta-carpophalangeal joint 4,5,7. To achieve this purpose, we utilized sixteen isolated forelimbsbelonging to two years old eight sound horses just slaughtered. All limbs were immediatelystored at 41C prior to magnetic resonance investigation (MRI), or frozen at �201C if scanningwas not possible within 48 h 1. X-ray examination of all limbs was made to role out grossalteration. Then, by arthroscopy eight standard lesions for each fetlock were created 2. All jointswere put into a low field (0,2-T) dedicated MR unit in a knee dual phase array receiving coil. Inorder to obtain the best visualization of cartilage surface, the fetlock was also investigated in aflexed position. MRI was made using conventional T1W sequence, Turbo Multi Echo, 3DCE,T1W Gradient Echo (GE) and GE STIR6. Afterwards, joints were distended with air and MRArwere performed. Air MRAr allows to detect small different type of cartilage lesions, thanks tosignal void that provides high contrast between intra-articular structures, synovium and air-filledjoint. Furthermore, air in comparison to gadolinium is less irritant, it does not require US Foodand Drug Administration (FDA) approval, it is not expensive and there is no known risk ofallergic reaction 3. Therefore, the use of air as contrast medium in MRAr might be useful as aninvestigational method for the evaluation of articular cartilage damage as an alternative contrastagent for clinical use.

1) Brommer H., Rijkenhuizen A. B. M., Brama P. A. J., Barneveld A. and Van Weeren P. R.(2004): Accuracy of diagnostic arthroscopy for the assessment of cartilage damage in theequine metacarpophalangeal joint. Equine Vet Journal 36 (4), 331–335.2) Link T.M., Lindner N., Haeussler M., Reimer P., Allkemper T., Jerosch J., Peterfy C., Ma-jumdar S., and Peters P.E. (1997): Artificially produced cartilage lesions in small joints: de-tection with optimized MRI-sequences. Magnetic Resonance Imaging 15 (8) 949–956.3) Maes R.M., Morrison W.B., Lewin J. S., Duerk J. L., Kiewiet C.J.M. and Wacker F.K. (2006):Use of intra-articular carbon dioxide and air for MR arthrography: a feasibility study. ContrastMedia Mol Imaging 1: 147-1524) Martinelli M.J., Baker G.J., Clarkson R.B., et al. (1996): Correlation between anatomicfeatures and low-field magnetic resonance imaging of the equine metacarpophalangeal joint.American Journal of Veterinary Research. 57 (10), 1421–1426.5) Mosher T. J., and Pruett S. W (1999): Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Superficial CartilageLesions: Role of Contrast in Lesion Detection. Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging 10:178–182.6) Murray R. C., Branch M. V., Tranquille C and Woods S. (2005): Validation of magneticresonance imaging for measurement of equine articular cartilage and subchondral bone thick-ness. Am. J. Vet. Rad. 66 (11), 1999–2005.7) Zanetti M and Holder J. (1997): Contrast media in MR arthrograohy of the glenohumeral joint:intra-articular gadopentate vs saline: preliminary results. European Radiology 7, 498–502.

PRELIMINARYRESULTSOFRADIOGRAPHICANDULTRASOUNDEXAMINATIONOFTHETHORACICSPINOUSPROCESSESAND INTERSPINOUSSPACES INHALF-BREEDSPORTHORSES.

Henklewski Radomir RH, Atamaniuk Wojciech WA. Wroclaw University of EnvironmentalandLife Sciences the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Department and Clinic of Veterinary Surgery

IntroductionSpinal diseases in sport horses take place in about 60% of clinically examined animals. Thepurpose of this study was to evaluate incidence of ultrasonographically and radiologically de-tectable thoracic spinous processes and interspinous spaces lesions in half-breed sport horses.Materials and methodsPreliminary study included 20 horses; 12 of them were used for racing, 8 of them were used forjumping. These horses were of different age ranging from 4 to 12 years as well as of bothsexes. Clinically, three stages of pain were determined: painless, light to moderate and severepain. Each horse was then diagnosed by means of RX and US examination of the thoracicspine area. Radiological examination played monitoring function. Sonographic examination.Was applied in two planes: longitudinal and transverse.ResultsSex hadn’t a statistical significance for the examination’s results as opposed to horses usage. Injumping horses more serious clinical symptoms were observed radiologically and sonograph-ically than in the racing ones. Radiographic and ultrasound changes were more obvious in olderhorses. Ultrasound results were more correlated with clinical symptoms. In more advancedcases, RX images confirmed diagnosis. In 15% of cases typical clinical symptoms of back painas well as US changes were observed, however there were no changes in radiograms.Discussion and conclusionThis preliminary study showed correlation between the way the horses are used and radio-graphic and ultrasound changes. In jumping horses lesions were more evident both in ultra-sound and radiographic examinations. For more reliable diagnosis of thoracic spinousprocesses and interspinous spaces the clinical examination, US and RX is required, althoughultrasound results seem to be more reliable and accurate than radiography.

P. Rene van Weeren.: Structure and biomechanical concept of the eqiune back. Pferdeheilk-unde 20 (2004) 341–348 A. von Rotz, R. Frey, A. E. Friees, U. Schatzmann, H. P. Meier.: Diesonographische Untersuchung des Pferderuckens. Pferdeheilkunde 18 (2002) 157–163 N.W.Rantanen, A.O. McKinnon.: Equine diagnostic ultrasonography. Willaims & Wilkins 1998, 515–521.

ULTRASONOGRAPHICCHANGESOF THETHYROIDGLAND INHYPERTHYROIDCATS 6MONTHSAFTER131IRADIOACTIVE IODINETHERAPY

Van der Vekens E1, Olivier T1, Kathelijne P1, van Hoek I2, Sylvie D2, Saunders JH1. 1De-partment of Medical Imaging; 2Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Ghent Uni-versity, Belgium

IntroductionUltrasonography (US) has been proved useful for the characterization of the thyroid gland inhyperthyroid cats. 1 the aim of this study was to describe the US changes of the thyroid gland inhyperthyroid cats observed after 131I radioactive iodine therapy.Materials and MethodsFifteen hyperthyroid cats were used. The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism was made by clinicalexamination, serum total T4 concentration and scintigraphy. US was performed in all cats atinitial presentation and 6 months after 131I radioactive iodine therapy (1.4–5.0mCi intrave-nously) using a multi-frequency linear transducer set at 12MHz (Logiq 7). The following UScriteria were evaluated: size (length, width, height), shape, homogeneity, and vascularization(using power-Doppler US) of the thyroid gland.ResultsAll 30 thyroid lobes were visualized on both pre- and post-treatment US. On pre-treatment US,8 cats showed bilateral abnormal thyroid lobes and 7 cats showed only one abnormal lobe withthe contralateral lobe being normal or reduced in size. On post-treatment US, changes com-pared to the initial examination were observed in 16 of the 23 abnormal thyroid lobes, cor-responding to 12 of the 15 cats. The changes were a reduction in size (10–60% of the volume),modification of the shape (reduced rounding), reduction of the heterogeneity and decrease ofvascularization (from moderately/severely vascularized to absence of power Doppler signal).ConclusionUS changes are observed in diseased thyroid lobes in the majority of hyperthyroid cats 6months after 131I radioactive iodine therapy. A severe reduction in size, with consequentchange in shape, and vascularization are observed.

1 Wisner ER, Theon AP, Nyland TG, Hornof WJ. Ultrasonographic examination of the thyroidgland of hyperthyroid cats: comparison to 99mTcO4- scintigraphy

DISCDEGENERATIONANDSPONDYLOSIS INOLDDACHSHOUNDS.A FOLLOWUPSTUDYOVER 8YEARS

Arnbjerg J. Denmark

IntroductionIt has been shown that degenerated disks can disappear again in Dachshund (Jensen 2001). Inthis study it is shown that older dachshunds have fewer disk degenerations than they had at theage of 2 years, whereas spondylosis might develop in the older dachshunds.Material & MethodAt the age of 2 years 62 dachshunds were radiographed to examine the vertebral columna fordisk degeneration and spondylosis.The same dogs were radiographed again at the age of 8 – 11 years, however only 37 were ableto show up for the examination due to different reasons.ResultsAt the age of 2 years 62 dachshunds had disk degeneration in 275 disks. At the age of 8 – 11years only 27 out of 36 dogs had disk degenerations. There was a 47% reduction of degen-erated disks in the 36 dogs. There were no differences between male and female nor differencebetween dogs originally having a few and a greater number of degenerated discs. Resolution ofthe signs of degenerative disk disease was seen most commonly in the thoracic spine.19 out of 36 (53%) had developed spondylosis in moderate degree at the age of 8 – 11 years.None of them had spondylosis at the age of 2 years.The spondylosis was observed most often at T9-T10 and the lumbal area. There were nostatistical correlation between disk degeneration and spondylosis. The dog showing the mostsevere and greatest extension of spondylosis had no disk degeneration. There was morespondylosis in the female than in males.Discussion and conclusionThe study supports a breeding program evaluating Dachshunds at the age of 2 years, as thisage has the highest number of degeneration disks. In the Dachshund there is no correlationbetween the disk degeneration and spondylosis, and the spondylosis appears later in dachs-hunds, than often seen in other breeds.

Jensen, V.F.: Asymptomatic radiographic disappearance of calcified intervertebral disk materialin the Dachshund. Vet Radiol ultrasound 2001, 42: 141–148.Jensen, V.F. & Arnbjerg, J.: Development of intervertebral disk calcification in the Dachshund:A prospective longitudinal radiological study. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2001; 37:274–282.Jensen, V.F. & Christensen, K.A.: Inheritance of disc calcification in the Dachshund. J Vet MedA 2000, 47: 331–346.

219ABSTRACTSVol. 49, No. 2