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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a well-established and widely used technique to characterize and quantify skeletal and cardiac muscle changes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Recently, MRI has been explored to study disease progression and response to gene therapy in the canine DMD model. Using traditional sequences, delayed gadolinium enhancement, novel sequences, and spectroscopy, investigators have begun to (i) establish the baseline MRI characteristics of the muscles in normal and affected dogs and (ii) evaluate gene therapy outcomes in treated dogs. As a noninvasive assay, MRI offers an excellent opportunity to study longitudinal muscle changes in long-term gene therapy studies in the canine model. In this chapter, we outline the MRI method used to study DMD in the canine model.

The treatment of pets, service animals, and pre-clinical research subjects with radionuclides raises concern for the safety of the people who interact with the animals after their treatment. Three treatments of skeletal conditions in dogs are considered in this study: 153Sm-1,4,7,10-tetraazacylcododecanetetramethylenephosphonic acid, which is a bone-seeking radiopharmaceutical; unencapsulated 90Y permanent interstitial implants, which are sometimes called “liquid brachytherapy”; and 117mSn radiosynoviorthesis, which is also called radiosynovectomy. External exposure rate readings of the 153Sm and 117mSn treatments, and Monte Carlo simulations of 117mSn at a distance of 1 m and of all three in direct contact with tissue were analyzed for doses. Dogs that have received any of these treatments using typically administered activities may be released from radiation safety isolation immediately after treatment from the standpoint of external exposure. People should avoid prolonged close proximity, such as sleeping with a treated dog, for three weeks following an 90Y interstitial implant or for a month following 117mSn radiosynoviorthesis. No such avoidance is necessary after treatment with 153Sm-1,4,7,10-tetraazacylcododecanetetramethylenephosphonic acid.

John Donecker,1 Jimmy C Lattimer,2 Lorrie Gaschen,3 Karanvir Singh Aulakh3 1Exubrion Therapeutics, Inc., Buford, GA, USA; 2College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; 3School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USACorrespondence: John DoneckerExubrion Therapeutics, Inc., 5203 Bristol Industrial Way, Buford, GA, 30518 Tel +1-336-552-6027Email jdonecker@exubrion.comObjective: To determine if a repeat intraarticular (IA) injection of a tin-117m colloid radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) agent can be safely given in the same joint 12 months after an initial injection for treatment of canine elbow osteoarthritis (OA), and to evaluate the pain reduction effect of the repeat injection.Methods and Materials: Nine client owned dogs with grade 1 or 2 elbow OA were given an IA injection of tin-117m colloid in both elbows, one of which had been treated ≤ 12 months earlier with the same RSO device. Treatment safety was evaluated by joint fluid analysis at baseline (BL) and at 180 days after treatment, and by urinalysis, CBC, and serum chemistry analysis of diagnostic samples obtained at BL and 180 days. Radiographs, computed tomography, and MRI scans were obtained at BL and 180 days to determine if disease progression differed in elbows given one versus two injections. Clinical response to treatment was assessed subjectively by dog owner responses to the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) survey at BL, 90 and 180 days, and objectively by investigator-conducted force plate (FP) analysis of dogs at BL, 90, and 180 days.Results: All post-treatment urinalysis, CBC and clinical chemistry results were within normal ranges. Joint fluid analysis showed a significant (P=0.0411) reduction in the percentage of monocytes at 180 days, consistent with the tin-117m colloid mode of action of apoptosis of pro-inflammatory macrophages at the injection site. There was no significant difference in OA progression in elbows given one or two injections. The treatment success rate was 55.5% (5/9) on day 90 as determined either by CBPI responses or FP analysis, and 66.6% (6/9) on day 180 as determined by FP analysis.Conclusion: The tin-117m colloid can be safely given as a repeat injection 12 months after an initial injection, and can potentially provide a durable therapeutic response in dogs with elbow OA.Keywords: osteoarthritis, canine elbow, radiosynoviorthesis, radionuclide, Canine brief pain inventory, force plate

This longitudinal prospective exploratory study used serial measurements in five dogs to evaluate safety and retention of a tin-117 m (117m Sn) colloid after intra-articular injection in normal elbow joints. Each dog was deemed healthy based on physical examination, laboratory results, and radiographic evaluation of both elbows. While anesthetized, each received an MRI of both elbows, followed by fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scans of both elbow joints and associated lymph nodes. Joint fluid (0.5-1.0 mL) was withdrawn aseptically from the left elbow joint, followed by intra-articular injection of 117m Sn colloid (92.5 MBq; 1-1.5 ml). Post-injection assessments included blood counts, serum chemistry panels, urinalyses, radiographs, joint fluid analyses, MRI/positron emission tomography scans, scintigraphy, and biodistribution scans. On day 45-47, each dog was euthanized and a complete postmortem examination was performed. Tissue samples were submitted for histopathology and radioisotope retention studies. Left elbow joints were decalcified and sectioned for future autoradiography. Scintigraphy, 1 day after injection, indicated slight radioisotope escape from the joint to regional lymph nodes. Serial blood, urine, feces, and organ counts indicated >99.1% of the 117m Sn activity was retained in the joint for 45-47 days. Radiation output levels were below patient release levels the day following injection. Maximum standard uptake value for the injected joint decreased. Joint fluid cytology was unchanged. No dog exhibited lameness during the study. Absence of joint damage and lack of systemic effects after injection of the 117m Sn colloid in normal canine elbow joints indicate that this agent may be safely used for radiosynoviorthesis in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Sandra M Axiak-Bechtel,1 Anandhi Upendran,2,3 Jimmy C Lattimer,1 James Kelsey,3,4 Cathy S Cutler,4 Kim A Selting,1 Jeffrey N Bryan,1 Carolyn J Henry,1,5 Evan Boote,6 Deborah J Tate,1 Margaret E Bryan,7 Kattesh V Katti,3,8 Raghuraman Kannan3,8 1Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, 2Department of Physics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; 3Nanoparticle Biochem, Inc., and Shasun-NBI LLC, Columbia, MO, USA; 4Missouri University Research Reactor, 5Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; 6Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI, USA; 7Department of Statistics, 8Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA Introduction: Gum arabic-coated radioactive gold nanoparticles (GA-198AuNPs) offer ­several advantages over traditional brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer, including homogenous dose distribution and higher dose-rate irradiation. Our objective was to determine the short-term safety profile of GA-198AuNPs injected intralesionally. We proposed that a single treatment of GA-198AuNPs would be safe with minimal-to-no evidence of systemic or local toxicity.Methods: Nine dogs with spontaneously occurring prostatic cancer were treated. Injections were performed with ultrasound or computerized tomography guidance. Complete blood counts, chemistry panels, and urinalyses were performed at weekly intervals for 1 month and imaging was repeated 4 weeks postinjection. Planar scintigraphic images were obtained within 30minutes of injection.Results: No statistically significant difference was found in any hematologic or biochemical parameter studied, nor was any evidence of tumor swelling or abscessation found in eight dogs with repeat imaging; one dog died secondary to urethral obstruction 12 days following injection. At 30 minutes postinjection, an average of 53% of injected dose in seven dogs was retained in the prostate, with loss of remaining activity in the bladder and urethra; no systemic uptake was detected.Conclusion: GA-198AuNP therapy had no short-term toxicity in the treatment of prostatic cancer. While therapeutic agent was found in the prostate immediately following injection, some loss of agent was detected in the bladder and urethra. Localization of radioactivity within the prostate was lower than anticipated and likely due to normal vestigial prostatic ducts. Therefore, further study of retention, dosimetry, long-term toxicity, and efficacy of this treatment is warranted prior to Phase I trials in men. Keywords: brachytherapy, prostatic cancer, safety trial

The goal of our study was to demonstrate the utility of nanocrystalline gold as an X-ray contrast agent for imaging tumor in living subjects. Even though significant progress has been achieved in this area by researchers, clinical translation remains challenging. Here, we investigated biocompatible gum Arabic stabilized gold nanocrystals (GA-AuNPs) as X-ray contrast agent in tumor bearing mice and dog. Single intratumoral injections of GA-AuNP resulted in X-ray contrast change of -26 HU in the tumor region after 1 hour post-injection period. Subsequently, five intratumoral injections were performed in the mice. The change in CT number in tumor region is not progressive; rather it reaches a saturation point after fourth injection. These data suggested that accumulation of GA-AuNP reaches a threshold limit within a short time period (5 h), and is retained in the tumor tissue for the rest of the period of investigation. A pilot study was conducted in a client-owned dog presented with collision tumor of thyroid carcinoma and osteosarcoma. In this study, GA-AuNP was injected intratumorally in dog and a contrast enhancement of 12 deltaHU was observed. The CT images of both mice and dog clearly demonstrated that GA-AuNP was effectively distributed and retained throughout the tumor site. The CT data obtained by the present study would provide the crucial dosimetry information for strategic therapy planning using this construct. Both mice and dog did not show any clinical changes, thereby confirming that GA-AuNP did not induce toxicity and can be explored for future clinical applications.

Objective—To evaluate use of a radiolabeled peptide nucleic acid–peptide conjugate (RaPP) targeting B-cell leukemia-lymphoma 2 (BCL2) mRNA for scintigraphic detection of neoplastic lymphocytes in dogs with B-cell lymphoma and to assess associations among RaPP uptake, time to tumor progression (TTP), and BCL2 mRNA expression. Animals—11 dogs with B-cell lymphoma and 1 clinically normal dog. Procedures—Scintigraphic images were acquired 1 hour after IV injection of the RaPP. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn around lymph nodes, liver, and spleen; ROI intensity (relative to that of an equally sized region of muscle in the same image) was measured. Each ROI was also subjectively categorized as positive or negative for increased RaPP uptake. Expression of BCL2 mRNA was determined via quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR assay of a lymph node sample from dogs with lymphoma. Associations among imaging results, TTP, and BCL2 mRNA expression were evaluated. Results—Increased RaPP uptake was detected in affected tissues of dogs with lymphoma. Dogs with superficial cervical lymph node ROIs categorized as negative (n = 8) for increased RaPP uptake had a significantly longer TTP than did dogs for which this ROI was considered positive (2). Measured intensity of mandibular and superficial cervical lymph node ROIs was negatively associated with TTP. Associations among BCL2 mRNA and ROI intensity or TTP were not significant. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Increased RaPP uptake at mandibular or superficial cervical lymph node ROIs may be a negative prognostic indicator in dogs with lymphoma. A larger investigation is needed to determine clinical value of the RaPP for disease detection and prognostication.

Bone-seeking radiopharmaceuticals have been used to effectively treat cancer arising from and metastasizing to bone in humans and dogs. The rate of complete tumor control is low, and the geographic distribution of available compounds is limited by their half-lives. This experiment was done to evaluate in normal dogs the toxicity of 177Lu-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetramethylene phosphonate (177Lu-DOTMP) used as a potential therapeutic radiopharmaceutical. Methods: Four normal purpose-bred dogs were administered 177Lu-DOTMP at a dose of 8.14 MBq/kg and monitored for 84 d for evidence of toxicity in the bone marrow and vital organs. Results: No statistically significant alterations in the biochemical profile, white blood cell count, or platelet count were observed in any dog. Very mild decreases in the red cell count were seen on day 84. No microscopic evidence of toxicity was present at necropsy. Conclusion: The dogs receiving 177Lu-DOTMP tolerated the administration and the effects of the compound without apparent clinical toxicity. The results of this experiment support the further evaluation in tumor-bearing dogs of 177Lu-DOTMP as a potential therapy for metastatic bone cancer and primary bone tumors in humans and dogs.

A 10-year-old spayed female dog was referred for surgical removal of a brain tumor that had been identified following an acute onset of seizure activity 2 weeks earlier. A computed tomographic evaluation involving contrast agent revealed the presence of a contrast-enhanced mass within the left olfactory lobe of the brain. After removal of the mass via a transfrontal craniotomy, the overlying frontal bone flap was replaced and secured by use of a biologically inert rivet-like titanium clamp closure system and 3 titanium alloy craniotomy line clamps. On reevaluation 4 weeks after tumor removal, the dog was free of seizure activity and had no proprioceptive deficits; according to the owner, the dog had marked improvement in its overall behavior and attitude. The titanium clamp closure system appears to offer an effective and rapid technique for the secure replacement of craniotomy bone flaps in dogs.

Kartagener’s syndrome (KS) is a rare, congenital condition characterized by situs inversus, rhinosinusitis, and bronchiectasis. An underlying ciliary dysfunction (e.g., immotility or dyskinetic beating) produces most of the clinical signs seen in affected animals. This case report reviews the history, clinical signs, and diagnosis of KS in a male, long-haired dachshund. This is the first known report of KS, and thus primary ciliary dyskinesia, in this breed of dog.

Summary We retrospectively evaluated the medical records and obtained follow-up information for nine horses which had been treated for cecocolic intussusception (CCI) between January 1982 and April 1998. During the 16-year study period, CCI was diagnosed in nine of 748 horses in which exploratory celiotomy was undertaken for abdominal pain, representing an incidence of 1.2%. Most affected horses (78%) were less than four years of age (median age was 12 months, age range was five months to 15 years). Cecocolic intussusception affected male horses (78%) more commonly than female horses. The most common clinical presentation was abdominal pain of a severe, acute nature or milder but recurrent signs of abdominal pain persisting in spite of conservative treatment for several days. Correction of CCI by either simple reduction or reduction followed by partial typhlectomy was successful if compromise of the intestine by devitalization and adhesion formation was not found at surgery. Definitive diagnosis of CCI necessitates exploratory celiotomy, although an ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen may confirm the diagnosis in some cases. When recognized early during the course of disease, surgical correction of CCI is associated with a favorable outcome; of the eight horses which underwent surgery in our series, five horses (63%) survived surgical correction of CCI. Handling of compromised gut during reduction of CCI necessitates extreme caution because the risk of intestinal tearing is quite high.

Case Description—A 4-month-old Missouri Fox Trotter colt was examined for a 5-week history of head tilt after treatment for suspected pulmonary Rhodococcus equi infection. Clinical Findings—Computed tomography revealed osteolysis of the occipital, temporal, and caudal portion of the parietal bones of the left side of the cranium. A soft tissue mass compressing the occipital region of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum was associated with the osteolytic bone. Treatment and Outcome—A rostrotentorial-suboccipital craniectomy approach was performed to remove fragmented occipital bone, debulk the intracranial mass, and obtain tissue samples for histologic examination and bacterial culture. All neurologic deficits improved substantially within 3 days after surgery. Bacterial culture of the resected soft tissue and bone fragments yielded R equi. Clinical Relevance—Intracranial surgery in veterinary medicine has been limited to dogs and cats; however, in select cases, extrapolation of surgical techniques used in humans and small animals can assist with intracranial procedures in horses.

Objective—To evaluate samarium Sm 153 lexidronam (153Sm-EDTMP) as a treatment option for dogs with bony tumors of the skull. Design—Retrospective case series. Animals—Dogs with multilobular osteochondrosarcoma (MLO) or osteosarcoma (OSA) of the skull. Procedures—Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital records from the Universities of Missouri and Florida from 1986 to 2006 were searched for dogs with primary skull tumors treated with 153Sm-EDTMP. Results—25 dogs were initially evaluated, with 5 dogs subsequently excluded because of inadequate follow-up or unrelated death. Seven OSAs and 13 MLOs were diagnosed. Tumors involved the occipital and frontal bones (n = 10), zygomatic arch and maxilla region (6), palate (3), and mandible (1). No clinically important adverse effects related to 153Sm-EDTMP treatment were documented. Of the 20 dogs evaluated 21 days after injection with 153Sm-EDTMP, 4 had subjective improvement, 13 had progressive disease, and 3 had insufficient follow-up. On the basis of radiographic findings, metastasis was suspected in 1 dog; 16 dogs had no metastasis evident, and medical records were insufficient for 3 dogs. Survival time, defined as the 153Sm-EDTMP injection date to the date of death, ranged from 3 to 1,314 days (median, 144 days). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The subjective improvement in 4 patients and lack of clinical evidence of adverse effects suggested that 153Sm-EDTMP injection may be an option for the treatment of dogs with MLO or OSA of the skull when other treatments have failed or surgery is not possible.

Summary This report describes a severe case of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in a 5-month-old foal raised on a drylot contaminated with mine tailings. The high levels of zinc found in the fiver from the foal at necropsy suggest that zinc toxicity contributed to the development ofthe OCD, as previously described. However, extensive efforts to determine the source of the excess zinc in the foal's environment were unsuccessful since the feed, water, and soil all contained normal levels of zinc.

Bolus material is used commonly with electron treatments. The purpose of this study was to compare the electron beam attenuating properties of SuperFlab, Play-Doh, and wet gauze to that of plastic water, and evaluate their characteristics as bolus materials for electron beam therapy. Electron beams of 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 12 MeV were used. Dose reduction from a range of bolus thicknesses from 2 mm to a thickness well beyond the thickness required to reach peak ioization was measured for each of the bolus materials to establish independent isodose curves. Measurements performed at the known water Dmax for all bolus materials indicated similar results for SuperFlab and plastic water with less than 3% difference for most energies. Play-Doh resulted in more attenuation or less dose buildup compared with plastic water, especially at lower energies. The difference was as high as 24.7% for the beam energy of 5 MeV for Play-Doh. Evaluation of the dose build up curves for all materials indicated the peak dose build up for wet gauze and Play-Doh occurred at lesser thicknesses compared to plastic water and SuperFlab, particularly at lower energies. If Play-Doh and wet gauze are to be used for electron bolus materials, dose build up curves should be established for the machine being used and the appropriate thickness of bolus material be chosen based on those curves.

A 12 yr old castrated male Yorkshire terrier was presented with a history of an inoperable pheochromocytoma. Physical examination revealed a large, midabdominal mass. Neurologic examination was normal at presentation. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a 215 cm3 mass in the region of the right kidney. Forty-eight hours after IV injection of 370 megabecquerels (MBq, equivalent to10 millicuries [mCi]) of metaiodobenzylguanidine labeled with radioactive iodine ([131I]MIBG), standard planar scintigraphy was performed. A diffuse area of moderate uptake was noted in the midabdominal region. The dog experienced stable disease for 1.5 mo after injection based on a follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan; however, 5 mo after injection, repeat CT imaging revealed progression of the tumor, and a second IV injection of 370 MBq (10 mCi) of [131I]MIBG was administered. The dog died 3 wk after the second injection as a result of gastrointestinal blood loss that was believed to be caused by compression-induced bowel ischemia by the mass. A full necropsy was not performed, but the mass was removed for histologic evaluation, which confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. This report is the first to document the treatment of canine pheochromocytoma using [131I]MIBG.

Canine nasal tumors are typically treated with radiation therapy but most patients develop local recurrence. Our purpose was to evaluate tumor and normal tissue response to reirradiation in nine dogs. The median dose delivered with the first protocol was 50 Gy (range 44-55 Gy) and the median fraction number was 18 (range 15-20). For the second protocol, the median dose was lower intentionally, median of 36 Gy (range 23-44 Gy), without changing the median fraction number of 18 (range 14-20) to avoid late effects. The median time between protocols was 539 days (range 258-1652 days). Median survival was 927 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 423-1767 days). Median time to progression following the first and second courses was 513 days (95% CI 234-1180 days) and 282 days (95% CI 130-453 days), respectively. These were not significantly different (P=0.086). The qualitative response assessment was better for the first course compared with the second (P=0.018). Severity and timing of skin, mucous membrane, and ocular effects were similar for early side effects between the two courses (P0.05 for all comparisons). All dogs experienced some late side effects, with two out of nine being classified as severe. These severe effects were blindness in each dog, possibly related to tumor recurrence. Reirradiation of canine nasal tumors resulted in a second clinical remission in eight of nine dogs, although the second response was less complete. Acute and late effects for seven of nine patients were not life threatening, indicating that reirradiation of canine nasal tumors may be a viable treatment option after recurrence.

Two cats with a superficial oral squamous cell carcinoma responded favorably to treatment using a 90Sr probe. From one to six fields were applied per tumor, depending on tumor size. The surface dose per treatment ranged from 75 to 150 Gy and the total surface dose ranged from 200 to 500 Gy. Adverse effects were minimal. The cats survived 7 months and 5 years 9 months from the time of diagnosis. These data indicate that with careful patient selection 90Sr may be useful for the treatment of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma in some patients.

Two cats with a superficial oral squamous cell carcinoma responded favorably to treatment using a 90Sr probe. From one to six fields were applied per tumor, depending on tumor size. The surface dose per treatment ranged from 75 to 150 Gy and the total surface dose ranged from 200 to 500 Gy. Adverse effects were minimal. The cats survived 7 months and 5 years 9 months from the time of diagnosis. These data indicate that with careful patient selection 90Sr may be useful for the treatment of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma in some patients.

Thoracic radiographs of 346 dogs, diagnosed as having primary neoplasms, were reviewed for radiographic changes associated with pulmonary metastatic disease at the time of initial presentation. Dogs having radiographic changes of single or multiple interstitial nodular opacities, in the absence of concurrent intrathoracic disease, were considered to have pulmonary metastatic disease. The frequency of metastasis associated with each histologic tumor type was compared by chi-squared analysis. Dogs having primary thyroid carcinomas and transitional cell carcinomas demonstrated the greatest frequency of radiographic changes, 62.5% and 26% respectively. In dogs having a variety of other neoplasms, including nasal adenocarcinomas and cutaneous neoplasms, thoracic radiography proved useful in delineating intercurrent disease and staging, as well as the extent of neoplastic involvement. These results indicate early radiographic evaluation of the thorax should be performed on all dogs with confirmed or suspected primary neoplasms.

Case Description—A 13-year-old llama was examined because of lethargy, inappetence, and syncope. Clinical Findings—Physical examination revealed muffled heart and lung sounds and peripheral edema. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included lymphopenia, hyperglycemia, prerenal azotemia, mild hyponatremia, mild hypoalbuminemia, and high γ-glutamyltransferase and creatine kinase activities. On ultrasonography, the liver appeared hyperechoic and ascites and pleural effusion were seen. Echocardiography revealed severe dilatation of the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery; severe tricuspid regurgitation; and high right ventricular systolic pressure consistent with right-sided heart failure secondary to pulmonary hypertension. Treatment and Outcome—Treatment with furosemide was attempted, but because of failing health, the llama was euthanized 4 weeks later. Macronodular cirrhosis of the liver, glomerulonephritis, and intimal fibrosis and medial hypertrophy of muscular pulmonary arteries were seen on histologic examination of postmortem specimens. Clinical Relevance—Findings in this case were similar to those reported for human patients with portopulmonary hypertension secondary to hepatic cirrhosis. Pulmonary hypertension secondary to hepatic disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of right-sided heart failure.

Diskospondylitis is uncommon in cats. We describe a cat with diskospondylitis of the L7-S1 intervertebral disk, and a concurrent sublumbar abscess. Radiographic, computed tomographic and ultrasonographic findings are presented. Aerobic and anaerobic cultures of blood and spinal fluid yielded no growth. Aerobic and anaerobic urine cultures resulted in growth of an Enterococcus sp. and Clostridium perfringens, respectively. The cat was successfully treated with enrofloxacin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Clinical signs resolved completely, and based on follow-up ultrasonography there was no remaining evidence of the sublumbar abscess. Etiologic agents and outcome from other cats with diskospondylitis are reviewed.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of canine HD in a population in which there was minimal or no prior screening of radiographs for the disorder. Patient information was obtained from the radiographic database at the University of Missouri-Columbia Veterinary Teaching Hospital during the five-year period of 1991-1995. The coxofemoral joints on ventrodorsal radiographs of the pelvis were independently evaluated by three veterinary radiologists. A consensus evaluation of normal, borderline, or dysplastic was compiled. There were 2885 dogs identified representing 116 breeds and the mixbreds. There were 2236 purebred dogs (1071 males and 1165 females) and the prevalence of HD was 19.7%. There were 649 mixbred dogs (340 males and 309 females) and the prevalence of HD was 17.7%. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of HD between sexes or between purebred and mixbred dogs (P = 0.16; P = 0.29). Degenerative joint disease (DJD) was the most common radiographic manifestation of HD and there appeared to be a threshold at 12 months of age after which the presence of DJD was the primary diagnostic criteria.

Numerous reports list the abnormalities obtained from cloning sheep and cattle. To date, few reports provide detailed information regarding the overall health status and performance data of cloned animals. This report follows three litters totaling 10 transgenic cloned piglets from birth through puberty. Significant findings from physical examinations and response to treatments are included, as well as necropsy data from five of the piglets that died during the study. The birth weights, placental weights, and growth rates for this group of piglets were not different from that of control animals raised in the same environment. Hematology and serum chemistry data were collected at 2 days of age, and at 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks of age. Results indicated a mild anemia and hypoproteinemia in the cloned piglets from birth through 4 weeks of age, but both conditions were corrected by 8 weeks of age. Echocardiography was performed on seven of the piglets. No anatomical defects were detected, but three of the piglets had decreased cardiac output values. However, both animals are growing and show no evidence of clinical disease. The immune system was evaluated by quantification of serum IgM and IgG levels and by determining the population of B-cells, macrophages, helper T-cells (CD4), cytotoxic T-cell (CD8), and double positive T-cells (CD4/CD8). With the exception of one animal, no abnormalities were detected with the immune system of the examined piglets. During the course of this study, five of the 10 piglets were euthanized or died, indicating there is a high mortality rate among cloned piglets, but the remaining five cloned piglets are free from detectable defects.

The study population consisted of cats presented to the University of Missouri-Columbia Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from January 1, 1991 through December 31, 1995. Ventrodorsal radiographs including the pelvic region were evaluated for radiographic evidence of hip dysplasia. Each radiograph was evaluated independently by three board-certified veterinary radiologists and a consensus normal of dysplastic evaluation was determined. There were 684 cats from 12 breeds. The data derived from this study indicate the frequency of feline hip dysplasia in this population to be about 6.6% (45/684) and that the incidence appears to be breed dependent. Also, the radiographic appearance of hip dysplasia in cats is different than in dogs. A shallow acetabulum with remodeling and proliferation involving the cranio-dorsal acetabular margin were the most common radiographic signs. Minimal remodeling of the femoral neck was seen.

Elbow dysplasia is osteoarthrosis/degenerative joint disease due to abnormal development of the elbow joint. The abnormal development is the result of specific inherited etiologies alone or in combination. This paper attempts to clarify the diagnosis of elbow dysplasia based on the presence of degenerative joint disease by correlating radiographic, necropsy, and histopathologic results using elbows from 8 German Shepherd dogs. All elbows had radiographic changes consistent with osteoarthrosis/degenerative joint disease which were identified best on the flexed medial-lateral projection. Radiographically, a specific diagnosis was made in seven elbows; ununited anconeal process (6) and osteochondrosis (1). At necropsy these lesions were confirmed plus 14 elbows were identified that had fragmented medial coronoid process (6), abnormally shaped medial coronoid processes or fissures in the articular cartilage of the medial coronoid process (8). Additionally, histopathologically there was proliferative synovitis at the radial notch of the ulna and degenerative changes on the proximal, nonarticular surface of the anconeal process at the site of insertion of the olecranon ligament and joint capsule. Therefore, for screening the elbow joint to identify elbow dysplasia, the recognition of osteoarthrosis/degenerative joint disease on an extreme flexed mediolateral radiograph appears to be sufficient.

This manuscript demonstrates that gray-scale ultrasonography can be useful for the diagnosis of many canine abdominal disorders. It is safe, noninvasive, and requires minimal patient preparation. Size, shape, and location of abdominal organs can be determined readily. The unique physical properties of ultrasound allow detection and characterization of mass lesions and parenchymal pathology associated with abdominal organs. Ultrasonography can complement existing imaging modalities by adding information not obtainable by other methods. The effective use of ultrasound requires knowledge of its advantages, limitations, and how it complements other diagnostic procedures. The medical histories of four dogs were reported in order to illustrate proper application of ultrasound to clinical problems. Basic findings concerning ultrasound utilization for investigation of the liver, kidney, and caudal abdomen were discussed.

Two cases of canine urinary bladder carcinoma were treated with combined radiation and cisplatin. Total radiation dose was 4400 cGy for one dog and 4800 cCy for the other. Cobalt 60 radiation was fractioned using 400 cGy per fraction. Cisplatin was administered intraarterially at a dose of 50 mg/m2 divided equally six to seven hours before the first three radiation fractions. Cisplatin was administered before the last three radiation fractions at the same dose and time, but was infused intravenously. Objective evaluation using double contrast cystograms revealed reduction in tumor size in both dogs. The therapy was well-tolerated with minimal side effects.

Sonographic evaluation of the pancreas was performed in ten healthy research dogs following intraperitoneal fluid administration. Physiological saline solution was aseptically introduced into the peritoneal cavity of each dog to create an acoustic window that would facilitate sonographic delineation of normal pancreatic tissues. Abdominal ultrasound examinations were performed in all dogs before and after the production of the diagnostic hydroperitoneum. Sonograms of the pancreas and other abdominal organs were scored on the basis of image clarity by experienced and novice ultrasonographers. Statistical analysis was then used to compare the effectiveness of each preparation method. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was established between the scores from the diagnostic hydroperitoneum sonograms and the baseline scans performed without intraperitoneal fluid placement. Sonographic visualization scores for the pancreas and other abdominal organs were increased following production of the diagnostic hydroperitoneum. These results indicate that the technique of diagnostic hydroperitoneum will significantly improve ultrasonographic visualization of the pancreas, and may prove useful in the diagnosis of canine pancreatic disease.

The production and identification of gray-scale ultrasonic imaging artifacts and some basic principles of ultrasonic interpretation are reviewed, discussed, and demonstrated with canine ultrasonograms. Imaging artifacts produced by ultrasound matter interactions include:reverberations, shadowing, through transmission and refractive and reflective zones. Technical imaging artifacts discussed include: off-normal incidence defects, echo displacement, and improper time gain compensation settings. Interpretation principles to distinguish mass lesions, cystic structures, and calculi within abdominal parenchymal organs are presented.

Summary Objective Scottish fold cats, named for their unique ear shape, have a dominantly inherited osteochondrodysplasia involving malformation in the distal forelimbs, distal hindlimbs and tail, and progressive joint destruction. This study aimed to identify the gene and the underlying variant responsible for the osteochondrodysplasia. Design DNA samples from 44 Scottish fold and 54 control cats were genotyped using a feline DNA array and a case–control genome-wide association analysis conducted. The gene encoding a calcium permeable ion channel, transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 4 ( TRPV4 ) was identified as a candidate within the associated region and sequenced. Stably transfected HEK293 cells were used to compare wild-type and mutant TRPV4 expression, cell surface localisation and responses to activation with a synthetic agonist GSK1016709A, hypo-osmolarity, and protease-activated receptor 2 stimulation. Results The dominantly inherited folded ear and osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish fold cats is associated with a p.V342F substitution (c.1024G>T) in TRPV4 . The change was not found in 648 unaffected cats. Functional analysis in HEK293 cells showed V342F mutant TRPV4 was poorly expressed at the cell surface compared to wild-type TRPV4 and as a consequence the maximum response to a synthetic agonist was reduced. Mutant TRPV4 channels had a higher basal activity and an increased response to hypotonic conditions. Conclusions Access to a naturally-occurring TRPV4 mutation in the Scottish fold cat will allow further functional studies to identify how and why the mutations affect cartilage and bone development.