Data suggested that subclinical otitis media frequently affects rabbits, and those with bulla lysis should be closely monitored. Lop-eared rabbits and rabbits with otitis externa had a higher risk of developing otitis media.
The ability to differentiate thoracic masses of mediastinal and pulmonary origins is often confounded by their complex spatial relationship. The objectives of this retrospective, observational cross‐sectional study were to assess radiographic differentiation of mediastinal versus pulmonary masses, and to determine if there are any correlations with specific radiographic findings. Thoracic radiographs of 75 dogs and cats with mediastinal and/or pulmonary masses identified on CT were reviewed. Radiographic studies were anonymized, randomized, and reviewed twice by three reviewers. Reviewers categorized the origin of each mass(es) as mediastinal, pulmonary, or both. On the second review, the presence or absence of 21 different radiographic findings was recorded for each mass. Agreement between the radiographic and CT categorization of mass origin, as well as inter‐ and intraobserver agreement, was calculated. Overall agreement between radiographs and CT was moderate for both mediastinal (68.6%) and pulmonary masses (63%). Overall, interobserver agreement was moderate (κ = 0.50‐0.74), with moderate to strong intraobserver agreement (κ = 0.58‐0.93). Masses within the mediastinum were significantly more likely to displace other mediastinal structures. Alternatively, masses lateral to midline and in the caudal thorax were found to be significantly positively correlated with a pulmonary origin. The results of this study highlight the limitations of radiography for differentiation of mediastinal and pulmonary masses, with mass location and displacement of other mediastinal structures potentially useful for radiographic findings that may help improve accuracy.
CASE DESCRIPTION
A client-owned 12-year-old 10.3-kg (22.7-lb) female shusui koi (Cyprinus carpio) was evaluated because of an ulcerated mass on the left body wall, hyporexia, and decreased activity.
CLINICAL FINDINGS
The patient was anesthetized with a solution of eugenol in water for all examinations and procedures. An approximately 7 × 5-cm smooth, raised, ulcerated, and firm mass was present ventral and lateral to the dorsal fin on the left body wall. Whole-body CT images obtained before and after contrast administration revealed an encapsulated, homogeneous, fat-opaque mass within the muscle. The mass was fat echoic with poor vascularity on ultrasonographic examination. Histologic evaluation of an ultrasound-guided needle biopsy specimen was suggestive of a lipoma.
TREATMENT AND OUTCOME
The mass was excised, and the fish was placed in water with 0.3% salinity for 3 weeks after surgery. Postoperative antimicrobial administration was not indicated, and additional postoperative analgesic administration was considered impractical. The patient had noticeable improvement in appetite and activity with no indication of discomfort immediately following surgery. Five weeks after surgery, the incision site had healed with minimal scarring, and evaluation of CT images revealed no evidence of mass regrowth or regional osteomyelitis.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Antemortem evaluation and diagnosis of a lipoma in a teleost with subsequent excision was described. This report highlighted the logistic challenges associated with anesthesia, advanced diagnostic imaging, and surgery in fish and showed that they can be successfully overcome so that high-level medical care can be provided to such patients.
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