Computed tomography (CT) has become more widely available and computed radiography (CR) has replaced film‐screen radiography for canine thoracic imaging in many veterinary practices. There are limited data comparing these modalities in a veterinary clinical setting to detect pulmonary nodules. We compared CT, CR, and film‐screen radiography for detecting the presence, number, and characteristics of pulmonary nodules in dogs. Observer performance for a variety of experience levels was also evaluated. Twenty‐one client‐owned dogs with a primary neoplastic process underwent CT and CR; nine also received film‐screen radiographs. Positive/negative classification by consensus agreed between the three modalities in 8/9 dogs and between CR and CT in the remaining 12. CT detected the greatest (P = 0.002) total number of nodules and no difference was seen between CR and films. The greatest number of nodules was seen in the right middle and both caudal regions, but only using CT (P < 0.0001). Significantly smaller nodules were detected with CT (P = 0.0007) and no difference in minimum size was detected between CR and films. Observer accuracy was high for all modalities; particularly for CT (90.5–100%) and for the senior radiologist (90.5–100%). CT was also characterized by the least interobserver variability. Although CT, CR, and film‐screen performed similarly in determining the presence or absence of pulmonary nodules, a greater number of smaller nodules was detected with CT, and CT was associated with greater diagnostic confidence and observer accuracy and agreement.
Background: Bone marrow aspiration (BMA) is a clinical procedure frequently performed in dogs. Objective: To compare levels of pain intensity induced by 3 different BMA procedures using several pain scoring instruments.Animals: Sixteen healthy Beagles. Methods: A prospective experimental pilot study was conducted using blinded observers. Dogs were randomized into 3 groups: iliac BMA under sedation (Iliac-Sed, n = 4), sternum BMA under sedation (Stern-Sed, n = 4), and sternum BMA on conscious dogs without sedation (Stern-No-Sed, n = 8).Results: Using the SF-Glasgow pain scale, the overall pain score in the Stern-No-Sed group was lower than that in the Stern-Sed group (P = 0.04). Using the 4A-VET pain scale, the effects of procedures over time on pain scores did not differ between and within groups. An inactivity index indicated that the overall score for the Stern-No-Sed group was significantly lower than the scores for the Stern-Sed and Iliac-Sed groups (P 0.01). There was a significant association in pain assessment using the SF-Glasgow and 4A-VET pain scales (P = 0.0004). When comparing the SF-Glasgowscale to the 4A-VET pain scale, the scores for the Stern-No-Sed group were lower compared to those of the Stern-Sed scores (P = 0.03). Based on telemetered motor activity, the Iliac-Sed group may have experienced more discomfort during the postprocedural period.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Dogs may experience mild to moderate pain after BMA procedures, and the sternal site should be preferred. The SF-Glasgow pain scale showed better interobserver reliability, but the 4A-VET scale was less biased by sedation.
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