No abstract

There was considerable variation in image interpretation among observers and between use of various imaging modalities; these imaging techniques should be considered complementary in assessment of dogs with DAWS.

This study was performed to provide a detailed atlas of the normal arterial and venous canine vasculature in the cranial abdomen by dual-phase computed tomographic angiography. Five adult beagles were positioned in dorsal recumbency on a multislice helical CT scanner. An unenhanced survey CT scan from the diaphragm to the pelvic inlet was performed. Bolus-tracking software was used for the dual-phase angiogram, and contrast medium was administered in a cephalic vein. The arterial phase was scanned from the mid-abdomen to the cranial aspect of the diaphragm; the portal phase was scanned a few seconds after the arterial phase in the opposite direction. The DICOM studies from all dogs were analysed. Representative images were selected and anatomic structures labelled. Maximum intensity projections and three-dimensional images were generated using software techniques. A detailed atlas of the venous and arterial vasculature of the cranial canine abdomen was created with the help of bolus-tracking dual-phase computed tomographic angiography (CTA). Practitioners can use this anatomic atlas with its detailed venous and arterial phase CT angiograms of the canine cranial abdomen to compare normal versus abnormal vascular anatomy.

CTA was useful for seeing articular cartilage and both CTA and MRA were useful for seeing the normal glenohumeral ligaments; however, further research is needed to examine each technique's sensitivity for diagnosing the pathology of these ligaments and any associated lesions of the capsule, tendon, and bone, and for determining the clinical importance of CTA for evaluating loose fragments or osteochondral lesions.

Summary 35Although the omentum remains an enigmatic organ, research during the last decades has 36 revealed its fascinating functions including fat storage, fluid drainage, immune activity,

Summary The canine omental bursa is a virtual cavity enclosed by the greater and lesser omentum. While previous representations of this bursa were always purely schematic, a novel casting technique was developed to depict the three‐dimensional organization of the omental bursa more consistently. A self‐expanding polyurethane‐based foam was injected into the omental bursa through the omental foramen in six dogs. After curing and the subsequent maceration of the surrounded tissues, the obtained three‐dimensional casts could clearly and in a reproducible way reveal the omental vestibule, its caudal recess and the three compartments of the splenic recess. The cast proved to be an invaluable study tool to identify the landmarks that define the enveloping omentum. In addition, the polyurethane material can easily be discerned on computed tomographic images. When the casting technique is preceded by vascular injections, the blood vessels that supply the omentum can be outlined as well.

A 5-year-old castrated male Labrador Retriever was presented to a referring veterinarian for a swelling in the neck region. Based on the results of histopathology, a carotid body tumor, was diagnosed. The dog was referred to a medical imaging unit for further staging and follow up. This report describes the magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomographic (CT) appearance of a carotid body tumor.

Flexor enthesopathy is a recently recognized elbow disorder in dogs and considered to be an important differential diagnosis for elbow lameness. Primary and concomitant forms of the disease have been previously described and treatments differ for the two forms. The goal of this prospective study was to compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for dogs with primary flexor enthesopathy (n = 17), concomitant flexor enthesopathy (n = 23), elbow dysplasia alone (n = 13), and normal elbows (n = 7). Each elbow joint underwent MRI using the same low-field scanner. Sequences included transverse and sagittal T1-weighted (before and after IV contrast), transverse and sagittal T2-weighted, and dorsal STIR. For each elbow, MRI lesions were recorded based on a consensus of two observers unaware of group status. Magnetic resonance imaging lesions involving flexor tendons were found in 100% of clinically affected joints with primary flexor enthesopathy and 96% of clinically affected joints with concomitant flexor enthesopathy. Thickened flexor muscles were the most common lesions, followed by hyperintense tendon signal and contrast enhancement. Irregular, thickened medial humeral epicondyle, edema, and calcified body lesions were less frequently observed. Magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of flexor enthesopathy were not found in normal joints or those affected by elbow dysplasia alone. No significant differences in frequencies and details of individual MRI characteristics were found between primary and concomitant flexor enthesopathy groups. Findings indicated that MRI is a sensitive technique for detection of flexor enthesopathy lesions in dogs, however, MRI characteristics do not allow differentiation of primary versus concomitant forms of the disease.