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Simple Summary: This study evaluates the optimization of computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) protocols for delineating ligamentous structures and menisci in the stifle joints of dogs. The motivation stems from existing diagnostic challenges, such as inaccuracies in physical and radiographic assessments often observed in conditions like cranial cruciate ligament rupture and meniscal injuries. Various protocols involving different concentrations and volumes of the contrast medium iohexol were tested to determine the most effective method for enhancing visualization of these structures. The findings reveal that a contrast medium concentration of 100 mgI/mL, administered at volumes of 0.3 or 0.4 mL/kg, significantly improves the clarity and detail of imaging, providing a more accurate diagnostic tool for veterinary practitioners. This optimized protocol could significantly enhance clinical outcomes by facilitating more precise diagnosis of joint diseases in dogs. This study aims to establish an optimized CTA protocol for qualitatively evaluating the ligamentous structures and menisci of the canine stifle. CTA of the stifle joint was conducted on six healthy beagle dogs. Each dog underwent a total of nine scans to evaluate various contrast protocols. These protocols involved three different concentrations of iodine (50, 100, and 150 mgI/mL) and three different volumes of contrast media injection (0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mL/kg). Subsequently, the acquired arthrographic images were qualitatively assessed to determine the visibility of the stifle ligaments. The quantitative evaluation of CTA revealed that the cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments were more clearly visible in groups M2 (100 mgI/mL, 0.3 mL/kg) and M3 (100 mgI/mL, 0.4 mL/kg) in comparison to S1 (50 mgI/mL, 0.2 mL/kg) and L3 (150 mgI/mL, 0.4 mL/kg). The visibility of the medial meniscus was notably lower in S1 and S2 (50 mgI/mL, 0.3 mL/kg), while the lateral meniscus exhibited reduced visibility in S1. Overall, the high contrast settings (M2, M3) generally improved the visualization of the meniscofemoral ligament, meniscotibial ligament, and the intermeniscal ligament. For optimal evaluation of the canine stifle ligament using CTA, it is recommended to use 100 mgI/mL iodine at a dosage of 0.3 mL/kg or 0.4 mL/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study focused on understanding how radiation therapy, a common treatment for cancer, affects the skin of dogs. While radiation is effective at destroying cancer cells, it can also cause damage to healthy skin, leading to various side effects like redness, peeling, changes in skin color, and sores. Over nine weeks, we monitored these skin changes in dogs, observing that radiation led to increased inflammation and stress in the skin cells, as well as significant disruptions in how skin cells grow and heal. We also noticed changes in specific proteins and genes related to skin inflammation, healing, and cell death. These findings help us better understand how radiation therapy impacts the skin and provide valuable information for managing these side effects in dogs. Radiation therapy is a crucial cancer treatment, but it can damage healthy tissues, leading to side effects like skin injuries and molecular alterations. This study aimed to elucidate histological and molecular changes in canine skin post-radiation therapy (post-RT) over nine weeks, focusing on inflammation, stem cell activity, angiogenesis, keratinocyte regeneration, and apoptosis. Four male beagles received a cumulative radiation dose of 48 Gy, followed by clinical observations, histological examinations, and an RT-qPCR analysis of skin biopsies. Histological changes correlated with clinical recovery from inflammation. A post-RT analysis revealed a notable decrease in the mRNA levels of Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog from weeks 1 to 9. VEGF 188 levels initially saw a slight increase at week 1, but they had significantly declined by week 9. Both mRNA and protein levels of COX–2 and Keratin 10 significantly decreased over the 9 weeks following RT, although COX–2 expression surged in the first 2 weeks, and Keratin 10 levels increased at weeks 4 to 5 compared to normal skin. Apoptosis peaked at 2 weeks and diminished, nearing normal by 9 weeks. These findings offer insights into the mechanisms of radiation-induced skin injury and provide guidance for managing side effects in canine radiation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This report describes the case of a sinus venosus atrial septal defect, concurrent with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections, which is a rare congenital heart disease in dogs. In patients with hemodynamically significant changes and clinical signs, treatment of the defect is essential. There are various treatment options for an atrial septal defect, including surgical correction under cardiopulmonary bypass or inflow occlusion, and interventional closure with occluders. In this case, given the significant size of the defect and the presence of concomitant vascular anomalies, performing closure with a pericardial patch under a cardiopulmonary bypass is considered as the most suitable approach. Additionally, employing a cardiac model from computed tomography imaging facilitated a preoperative simulation, enhancing the precision and efficiency of the surgical procedure, both in terms of accuracy and time. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in dogs with a sinus venosus atrial septal defect, accompanied by partial anomalous pulmonary venosus connections, where a computed tomography-based three-dimensional cardiac model was created to precisely identify the defect's location and associated cardiovascular anomalies, leading to a successful surgical intervention under a cardiopulmonary bypass. Sinus venosus atrial septal defects (SVASDs), concurrent with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections (PAPVCs), are a rare congenital heart disease in dogs. Surgical correction is essential when clinical signs or significant hemodynamic changes are present. We aimed to report on the successful surgical correction of an SVASD with PAPVCs, using a computed tomography (CT)-based customized 3D cardiac model. A 10-month-old male poodle was referred for corrective surgery for an ASD. Echocardiography confirmed a hemodynamically significant left-to-right shunting flow through an interatrial septal defect and severe right-sided heart volume overload. For a comprehensive diagnosis, a CT scan was performed, which confirmed an SVASD with PAPVCs. A customized 3D cardiac model was used for preoperative decision-making and surgical rehearsal. The defect was repaired using an autologous pericardial patch under a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Temporary pacing was applied for sinus bradycardia and third-degree atrioventricular block. The patient recovered from the anesthesia without further complications. The pacemaker was removed during hospitalization and the patient was discharged without complications 2 weeks post-surgery. At the three-month follow-up, there was no shunting flow in the interatrial septum and the right-sided volume overload had been resolved. The cardiac medications were discontinued, and there were no complications. This report indicates the validity of surgical correction under CPB for an SVASD with PAPVCs, and the advantages of utilizing a CT-based 3D cardiac model for preoperative planning to increase the surgical success rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]