Cerebrovascular accidents, or strokes, and gliomas are common intraaxial brain lesions in dogs. An accurate differentiation of these two lesions is necessary for prognosis and treatment decisions. The magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics of 21 dogs with a presumed cerebrovascular accident and 17 with a glioma were compared. MR imaging findings were reviewed retrospectively by three observers unaware of the final diagnosis. Statistically significant differences between the appearance of gliomas and cerebrovascular accidents were identified based on lesion location, size, mass effect, perilesional edema, and appearance of the apparent diffusion coefficient map. Gliomas were predominantly located in the cerebrum (76%) compared with presumed cerebrovascular accidents that were located mainly in the cerebellum, thalamus, caudate nucleus, midbrain, and brainstem (76%). Gliomas were significantly larger compared with presumed cerebrovascular accidents and more commonly associated with mass effect and perilesional edema. Wedge-shaped lesions were seen only in 19% of presumed cerebrovascular accidents. Between the three observers, 10-47% of the presumed cerebrovascular accidents were misdiagnosed as gliomas, and 0-12% of the gliomas were misdiagnosed as cerebrovascular accidents. Diffusion weighted imaging increased the accuracy of the diagnosis for both lesions. Agreement between observers was moderate (j ¼ 0.48, Po0.01). r

Although ultrasound and MRI are the imaging modalities of choice for the investigation of ocular diseases, the eyes are included in routine CT examinations of the head and should be examined as part of the complete evaluation. This report describes the dimensions, volumes and densities of the normal canine globe in CT. Forty-four eyes were studied. The mean axial length of the globe was 2.09 cm and its mean volume was 4.65 cm(3). The mean anteroposterior distance of the anterior chamber was 0.4 cm and of the vitreous chamber was 0.96 cm. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean aqueous humour density, 14.76 Hounsfield units (HU), and the mean vitreous humour density, 11.20 HU (P=0.0009). Statistically significant differences were also seen in both humours in precontrast and postcontrast studies. The mean anteroposterior dimension of the lens was 0.74 cm; its mean equatorial distance was 1.15 cm. The mean volume was 0.43 cm(3) and its mean density was 131.9 HU. There was contrast enhancement of the ciliary body, iris and retina/sclera/choroid complex. This study provides reference values to help in the interpretation of ocular structures on CT scans of the head, where incidental findings can change the medical management of specific cases.

OBJECTIVES: To identify features of canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and to correlate these features with clinical stages of the disease. RESULTS: HRCT showed a spectrum of pulmonary changes and it was possible to match some of these to the stage of CIPF.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: HRCT is used extensively in humans in the diagnosis and treatment planning of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.This preliminary study identifies the high-resolution computed tomographic features of CIPF in a small group of dogs. With further work it may be possible to use HRCT as a non-invasive tool for diagnosing, staging and therapeutically monitoring CIPF.

The objectives of this study were to establish the sensitivity and negative predictive value of radiography for acute spinal osseous lesions in the canine trauma patient, and to evaluate the interobserver variability in radiographic assessment of the spine in traumatized dogs. This was a retrospective multiple observer blinded study. The study population included 30 canine patients that presented following acute trauma, with clinical signs attributable to the spinal column. Radiography and computed tomography (CT) were performed in all cases. Radiographic interpretation was performed independently by four observers with different experience levels who were blinded to clinical information (other than trauma) and the CT results. CT studies were interpreted by a further three radiologists who formed a consensus opinion on the presence of specific osseous lesions. Using the CT results as a gold standard, the sensitivities and negative predictive values of radiography for specific osseous lesions were calculated. Interobserver agreement was also evaluated. Radiography was found to have only a moderate sensitivity for fractures (72%) and subluxations (77.5%). Low negative predictive values were found for the presence of vertebral canal narrowing (58%) and fracture fragments within the vertebral canal (51%). Interobserver agreement was only moderate to fair for most lesion types. In conclusion, radiography cannot be used to reliably rule out potentially unstable acute vertebral lesions in the canine trauma patient, and further imaging is therefore often indicated in the patient with a high risk of such injuries.

These results demonstrate that extensive examination for hepatobiliary disease in most cats with hyperthyroidism is unnecessary.