Objectives The aims of the present study were to monitor, by radiographic examination, the skeletal development of the pelvis and the femorotibial joints of the domestic cat from the first week of life until the closing of the growth plates. Methods Radiographic examinations were collected from 15 domestic cats at weekly intervals during the first month and every 2 weeks from the second to the fourth month of age. After that, examinations were performed monthly until the age of 18 months. Results The ischiopubic growth plate closed at 2 months of age, followed by the fusion of the iliopubic, ilioischial, proximal femoral, greater trochanter and proximal fibular growth plates. The distal femur and proximal tibial growth plates were the last to close, with fusion occurring at 18 months. The mean time to closure of the iliopubic, ilioischial and distal femoral growth plates was shorter in females. The ossification centers first appeared, in ascending order, beginning with the lesser trochanter, followed by the greater trochanter, proximal fibular epiphysis, tibial tuberosity, patella, ischial tuberosity and lateral sesamoid of the popliteus muscle. Conclusions and relevance The complete closure of the growth plates of domestic cats occurs at approximately 18 months of age. Skeletal maturation at approximately 18 months of age is an important parameter to be considered in radiographic evaluation of certain skeletal changes, evolution of fractures and nutritional imbalance.

A 3 year old female feline of mixed breed was sent to the diagnostic imaging sector under suspicion of bleeding due to ovariohysterectomy. An abdominal ultrasonography was performed to confirm the initial suspicion. However, no signs of bleeding were found, instead it was observed that the left renal silhouette had two pelvises and was elongated and larger than normal. The right kidney was not found. Excretory urography was requested to evaluate the condition of the ureters. The final diagnosis was crossed renal ectopia with fusion in an asymptomatic cat with no changes in renal function.

The objective of this study was to calculate the collapsibility index (CI) in a group of 15 healthy adult mixed breed cats via right hepatic intercostal ultrasound view. The minimal and the maximal diameters of the caudal vena cava (CVC) were obtained during inspiration and expiration, respectively, then CI was calculated. The mean diameter of the CVC was 0.5cm. The mean CI was 28±3% and CI was not significantly associated with gender. As in human medicine, there is a growing need for less invasive monitoring in small animal practice. The CI enables the assessment of estimated volemia without the need for a central venous catheter. This is the first reported study investigating CI in cats.

RESUMOEste trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a variação entre diferentes raças das medidas radiográficas da articulação lombossacra. Foram utilizados 20 cães da raça Pastor Alemão, 20 cães da raça Rottweiler e 20 da raça Doberman. A articulação lombossacra foi avaliada radiograficamente com os membros pélvicos em posição neutra (N), em ventroflexão (VF) e dorsoextensão (DE). Foram mensurados os ângulos entre os processos articulares de L7 e S1 (PA), entre as epífises distal de L7 e proximal de S1 (EPIF), o ângulo lombossacro (LS), a amplitude de movimento (ROM) desses ângulos, o ponto de interseção das retas que formam esses ângulos e a respectiva ROM. Os resultados mostraram que a altura do canal vertebral em L7 é menor no Pastor Alemão (9,5mm) e maior no Rottweiler (10, (Scharf et al., 2004). A estenose degenerativa do canal vertebral lombossacro é a causa mais comum de síndrome da cauda equina e ocorre mais comumente em cães pertencentes às raças de médio e grande porte, como o Pastor http://dx The lumbosacral joint was assessed radiographically with the hind limbs in neutral position (N), in ventral flexion (VF) and dorsal extension (DE). We measured the angles between the L7 and S1 articular processes (PA), between the distal L7 and S1 proximal epiphysis (EPIF), the lumbosacral angle (LS), range of motion (ROM) of these angles, the intersection point of the lines that form these angles and their ROM. The results show that the height of the spinal canal in L7 is lower in German Shepherds (9.5mm) than in Dobermans (10mm) and Rottweilers (10.5 mm). The EPIF-DE was higher in the German Shepherd (38.03°). The PA-N was lower in German Shepherd (15.98 °). The LS-VF was lower in the Doberman (170.01°), and LS did not differ statistically between German Shepherd (179.17°) and Rottweiler (176.61°). The ROM of the LS and EPIF angles were greater in the German

This retrospective case series study describes the clinical and vascular ultrasound findings of 26 dogs diagnosed with abdominal thrombosis. Images were selected based on the detection of intravascular echogenic thrombus or the absence of vascular flow on color Doppler, confirmed by surgery or necropsy. Images were acquired using the Mylab 40 model, with linear and microconvex multifrequency probes. All the reports were evaluated along with the corresponding images by a veterinary diagnostic imaging radiologist. The ultrasonographic aspects evaluated were echogenicity (92.3%), anechogenicity (7.7%), vascularization (11.5%), mineralization (15.4%), and recanalization (7.7%) of the thrombosis. The vascular and hemodynamic findings were dilation of the affected vein (57.7%), total occlusion of blood flow (30.8%), presence of turbulent flow (65.38%), and visualization of smoke signal (blood flow detected as moving echogenic points in dynamic bidimensional mode) (11.5%). Neoplasms (19 cases) and nephropathies (13 cases) were the most common clinical conditions in the affected dogs. Eleven cases of vascular invasion due to adrenal neoplasms were identified. The results indicate that the vascular ultrasound examination is an important method for diagnosis, as 23 of the 26 cases did not show any clinical signs of thrombosis.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar, por radiografia, histologia e densitometria óssea, o efeito da HA/βTCP em grânulos de absorção rápida em defeito ósseo crítico em rádio de coelhos. Foram utilizados 35 coelhos machos, da raça Nova Zelândia, e realizou-se um defeito crítico nos rádios direito e esquerdo. Os animais foram distribuídos em GI, enxerto autólogo e GII, HA/βTCP em grânulos de absorção rápida. Avaliações radiográficas foram feitas antes da cirurgia, após, aos oito, 15, 30, 45 e 60 dias e avaliações histológicas e de densitometria. Verificou-se diferença significativa ao se comparar a densidade mineral óssea obtida ao longo do tempo de estudo. Observou-se formação de rede vascular entre os poros da biocerâmica desde o primeiro tempo de avaliação, (oito dias). Foram observados tecido ósseo primário e trabéculas em tecido ósseo preexistente a partir de 30 dias da implantação. Aos 60 dias, constatou-se presença de matriz óssea em segmentos ósseos preexistentes, caracterizando a formação óssea centrípeta. A biocerâmica HA/βTCP nanoestruturada micro-macroporosa em grânulos de absorção rápida não causa alterações microscópicas indicativas de rejeição, permite a invasão e a multiplicação celular, bem como propicia a regeneração óssea, constituindo um implante apropriado para preenchimento de falhas ósseas críticas.

No abstract

Portosystemic shunt (PSS) is an anomalous vascular connection between the portal venous system and the systemic circulation. These deviations connect the main portal vein (PV) or some portal branches to the vena cava (VC) or, less commonly, to the azygos vein (AV). The purpose of this case report was to describe the diagnosis of PSS in a dog classified as porto-azygos. This diagnosis is considered uncommon compared to other portosystemic shunts using ultrasonography and portography. The subject was a male dog, Yorkshire, 8 months old, presented neurological signs characterized by head press, ataxia, tremors and episodes of temporary blindness and deafness. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a dilated and curved anomalous vessel with approximately 0.6cm of diameter and turbulent flow seen through pulsed and color Doppler, and segmental dilation of the azygos vein. The portography revealed enhancement by iodinated contrast in the jejunal vein, the portal vein and an anomalous vessel flowing towards the azygos vein in the craniodorsal region of the abdomen. The PSS was surgically corrected with an ameroid constrictor. Ultrasonography and portography were effective at detecting and characterizing the portoazygos shunt despite some limitations.