No abstract

Mammary gland neoplasms are predominant in dogs. However, sentinel lymph node (SLN) status assessment criteria have not been established for these cases. In this retrospective, secondary analysis, diagnostic case control study, CT images of 65 superficial inguinal SLNs were obtained before and 1, 3, 5, and 10 min after intravenous administration of contrast agent (iopamidol 370 mgI/mL). The presence and degree of postcontrast enhancement were assessed, by means of the median absolute density value and the maximum absolute density value at any time point in the center and in the periphery of each SLN measured in Hounsfield units (HU), before and after contrast agent administration. These values were compared with histopathological findings postsurgical excision. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted.The absolute density values ranged widely at each time point and within each group of nodes (negative, positive, control group). At all time points, the median density value in the center and in the periphery was significantly higher in metastatic than in nonmetastatic SLNs (P ≤ .014). Among the parameters tested, the median absolute density value measured in the periphery of the SLN 3 min after injection showed the highest sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (AUC) (87.5%, 82.1%, and 92.1% respectively), with a cutoff value of 50.9 HU. The maximum absolute density value at any time point in the center and periphery of the SLNs was also significantly higher in metastatic SLNs compared to non-metastatic (P ≤ .001). With a cutoff value of 59.5 HU, the maximum absolute density value in the periphery of the SLN displayed high sensitivity and specificity (87.5% and 89.3%, respectively). The results of this study support the hypothesis that contrast enhanced CT imaging may aid in the assessment of SLN metastasis in dogs with mammary gland neoplasms.

Cutaneous defects in cats are commonly encountered in clinical practice, and healing can be accomplished by first or second intention. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is characterized by a plasma concentration containing a large number of platelets in a small volume of plasma. The objective of the present study was to record the efficacy of PRP infiltration in open wounds in laboratory cats. Six wounds were created in the dorsal midline of eight laboratory cats, with the wounds of one side designated as the PRP group and the wounds of the other side as the control group. Wound healing was evaluated by daily clinical examination, planimetry, laser Doppler flowmetry, and histologic examination on days 0, 7, 14, and 25, and by measurement of metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2 and -9 and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 on days 0, 14, and 25. Based on the results of the present study, the mean time for full coverage with granulation tissue was shorter in the PRP group, the mean contraction and total wound healing percentage were increased compared to the control group, and finally, the perfusion measured with laser Doppler flowmetry was higher in the PRP group during all examination days. In conclusion, this is the first study focusing on the topical application of PRP in the treatment of open wounds in laboratory cats, and our results are encouraging—showing a more rapid healing in the PRP group.

Two dogs presented with chronic vomiting and an abdominal mass, respectively, for further investigation and treatment. Abdominal ultrasound revealed an intramural intestinal mass with a core of strongly echogenic interfaces surrounded by a rim of soft tissue echogenicity in one of the dogs and a well-demarcated soft tissue echogenicity mass in the other dog. Abdominal CT revealed an intramural intestinal mass with air attenuating centre surrounded by a soft tissue-attenuating rim in one of the dogs and a well-demarcated soft tissue-attenuating mass in the other dog. Abdominal exploration revealed a retained sponge within the intestine of one of the dogs and a sponge that adhered to the jejunum in the other dog. One of the dogs underwent intestinal resection and the other had a mass resection. One of the dogs was euthanatised due to an anastomotic leak and secondary peritonitis, and the other was free of clinical signs of abdominal disease 1 year after surgery.

The records of 13 dogs with distal esophageal foreign body obstruction not amenable to endoscopic management that had transdiaphragmatic gastrotomy (TG) for the foreign body extraction were reviewed. West Highland white terriers were over-represented. Mean age of the dogs at presentation was 38.6 mo, and mean duration of clinical signs associated with esophageal foreign bodies was 5.8 days. A TG was performed via an eighth or ninth left intercostal thoracotomy, and clinical results were successful in 12 dogs. In 1 dog, gastrotomy failed to retrieve a foreign body and esophagotomy was performed. Foreign bodies that were removed included 3 fishhooks and 10 animal bones. Postoperatively, all dogs developed esophagitis, 1 dog showed esophageal stricture, and 1 dog died of pyothorax associated with esophageal perforation 1 day postsurgery. Overall, 12 dogs survived and were free of clinical signs after a median follow-up time of 17 mo. TG is an effective surgical technique for the retrieval of distal esophageal foreign bodies.