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This study involved 48 canine individuals with ovarian cystic formations larger than 4–5.5 mm in diameter, as identified by ultrasound, who were in the diestrus or anestrus phase of the sexual cycle. Both T4 and fT4 levels were measured in all 48 cases. The imaging diagnosis of ovarian cystic formations was performed using the stationary ultrasound equipment Esaote MyLab X5, and with the owners' consent, samples were collected and the obtained data processed. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected in coagulation activator-lined tubes. Hormone assays were performed using the Biomerieux MiniVidas hormone analyzer. The results are automatically calculated by the machine using stored calibration curves and are expressed in mg/dL for T4 and in ng/dL for fT4. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and extent of hypothyroidism in polycystic ovarian syndrome in bitches by measuring the levels of both T4 and fT4 in 48 patients with ovarian cysts. Considering clinical symptoms, borderline values were classified as indicative of hypothyroidism. 27% (n = 13) were diagnosed with hypothyroidism, while 73% (n = 35) had euthyroidism. Statistically significant differences were found in the results of both T4 and fT4 between the euthyroid and hypothyroid groups. This study found a high prevalence of hypothyroidism in female dogs with ovarian cysts. Given the impact of hypothyroidism on ovulation in women and its potential effects in dogs, thyroid function testing is recommended for female dogs with infertility.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the soft and hard tissue supporting the tooth, favoring the adhesion of bacteria that can generate dental laxity and bone resorption. This study aimed to test an experimental protocol for inducing periodontitis which allows a close clinical assessment and to evaluate the effectiveness of a photodynamic therapy (PDT) protocol to reverse the associated clinical signs. Fifteen Wistar male rats were used for this study, divided into three equal groups. Tooth scaling, rooting and planning of the first superior left molar were performed in all rats, causing the displacement of the gingiva in order to create an accumulation of plaque. A 5-0 cotton ligature was placed, provoking an inflammatory response removed after ten days. One group received one session of PDT; another group received 3 PDT; the last one represented the control group, with no treatment. Clinical evaluation was represented by assessing the body weight, mobility index and bleeding. A rat grimace scale was used to determine the pain. The results showed clinical aspects of periodontitis and healing tissue proved microscopically. The tested procedure can provide all the key biological factors present in periodontal disease and an option for reversing the clinical aspects.

Ten Wistar males rats were used to induce experimental periodontitis by placing a 5-0 cotton thread ligature at the base of the first superior molar on the left side. Before this phase, the molar went through the process of scaling, rooting and planning. Soft movements of the molar were realized for creating an accumulation of plaque by flattening and by resulting the displacement of the gingival tissue, thus provoking an inflammatory response. After 7 days the ligatures were removed in all ten rats. After 14 days, results obtained showed gross aspects of periodontitis and microscopical lesions as well, installed in the periodontium. Microscopically, an inflammatory response with bone necrosis and alveolar bone loss was observed. The aim of this study is to test an experimental protocol of periodontitis confirming the presence of this pathology by gross aspects and also histopathological aspects. In conclusion, the tested procedure is able to provide all the key biological elements present in periodontal disease, whereas representing the adequate features for biomaterial testing domain.

The frequency of mammary tumors in canines is three times higher than in women. Contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is a noninvasive clinical method, that uses special contrast agents (CAs), their role being to layout the microvasculature of different lesions. The aim of this particular method, in this case, was to establish if we can evaluate the malignancy of a mass, given the fact that neovascularization is a malignancy marker. The case is represented by a Silky Terrier breed female dog, 5 years old, that was presented initially with an enlarged polycystic mammary gland and a nervous lactation. The female was initially diagnosed with polycystic mastosis. After 2 more months the mass became denser and enlarged. Before the ovariohisterectomy and unilateral mastectomy surgeries have taken place, a B-Mode standard ultrasound, CEUS and a pulmonary X-ray were performed. Our results integrate this case in “fast in” and “slow in” (type 2 curve). The histological diagnosis was established as a simple cystic papillary carcinoma with a malignancy grade 2. The mean value of the MVD was 13.75 which is a low MVD. We cannot determine a correlation between CEUS and a tumor’s malignancy, and so further studies are needed.

The status of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) is decisive in staging, prognosis, and therapeutic approach. Using an ultrasonographic examination algorithm composed of B-mode, Doppler technique, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and elastography, this study aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of the four techniques compared to histopathological examination. 96 SLNs belonging to 71 female dogs with mammary gland carcinomas were examined. After examinations, mastectomy and lymphadenectomy were performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of metastases in 54 SLNs. The elasticity score had the highest accuracy—89.71%, identifying metastases in SLNs with 88.9.9% sensitivity (SE) and 90.5% specificity (SP), ROC analysis providing excellent results. The S/L (short axis/long axis) ratio showed 83.3% SE and 78.6% SP as a predictor of the presence of metastases in SLN having a good accuracy of 81.2%. On Doppler examination, the resistivity index(RI) showed good accuracy of 80% in characterizing lymph nodes with metastases versus unaffected ones; the same results being obtained by CEUS examination. By assigning to each ultrasonographic parameter a score (0 or 1) and summing up the scores of the four techniques, we obtained the best diagnostic performance in identifying lymph node metastases with 92.2% accuracy. In conclusion, the use of the presented algorithm provides the best identification of metastases in SLNs, helping in mammary carcinoma staging and appropriate therapeutic management.

Veterinarians can obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the progression of ovarian cystic pathology in dogs by assessing hormonal levels. This study aimed to examine the gonadocorticoid profile of dogs diagnosed with ovarian cysts and compare these levels with those of healthy female dogs. The study included 96 female dogs split into two groups: a control group of healthy females and a study group of females with ovarian cysts larger than 4.5–5 mm in diameter and in diestrus or anestrus phase, determined by progesterone measurements. The control group had no ovarian pathologies and matched the estrus cycle phase of the study group. Ovarian cysts were diagnosed using the Esaote MyLab X5 ultrasound machine, while sex hormone levels (testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol) were measured with the Biomerieux MiniVidas analyzer. The analyzer utilizes the Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) technique for hormonal assessments. The study group (ovarian cysts) had significantly higher estradiol levels (21.83 pg/ml) compared to the control group (10.70 pg/ml). However, there was no significant difference in progesterone levels between the two groups. The study group females showed significantly higher estradiol levels in both the anestrus phase (p = 0.0105) and the diestrus phase (p = 0.0105). There was also a significant difference in estradiol levels between control group females in diestrus and anestrus, with significantly higher levels observed in the anestrus phase (p = 0.0105). In summary, female dogs with ovarian cysts had higher estradiol levels in both estrus and anestrus phases compared to the control group. The authors recommend assessing hormonal profiles in dogs with ovarian cysts for better treatment planning.