Magnetic resonance imaging using gadoxetic acid, a hepatocyte-specific contrast agent, is one of the most useful MRI techniques used to diagnose liver tumours in humans. During the hepato-biliary phase, there is uptake of gadoxetic acid by normal hepatocytes, leading to hepatic parenchymal enhancement. This feature is used in human medicine to diagnose hepatic parenchymal metastatic disease, to differentiate primary liver tumours, to diagnose liver cirrhosis and focal nodular hyperplasia. This study presents the preliminary results of magnetic resonance imaging of focal lesions localised in the liver parenchyma in dogs following the administration of gadoxetic acid. The lesion enhancement ratio (ERlesion) in the tumour metastasis was 0.05; the liver enhancement ratio (ERliver) – 0.49 and the post-contrast lesion-to-liver contrast ratio (CR) was 0.17. In dogs with hepatocellular hyperplasia, these values were 0.54; 0.51; and 1.18, respectively. In two dogs with a hepatic adenoma, the ERlesion was 0.26 and 0.17, respectively; the ERliver was 0.47 and 0.47, respectively and the CR was 0.33 and 0.31, respectively. In the dog with a neuroendocrine tumour, the ERlesion was 0.03; the ERliver amounted to 0.58 and the CR was 0.35. In the case of a hepatocellular carcinoma, these coefficients were 0.2, 0.6 and 0.3, respectively. Based on the results, it may be assumed that the MR images of the proliferative hepatic parenchymal lesions in dogs using gadoxetic acid are similar to those obtained in humans. This suggests that the contrast enhancement patterns used in human medicine may be useful in differentiating hepatic parenchymal lesions in dogs.

Domestic rabbits have teeth that grow throughout the animal’s life and are prone to disease. Clinical signs of dental disease in domestic rabbits are non-specific, and, therefore, a definitive diagnosis usually requires additional methods. This study was carried out on a group of 105 domestic rabbits aged 3 to 9 years. In total, 90 domestic rabbits with dental disease visible on CT images and other secondary diseases of the head area qualified for this study. Malocclusion was found in 57 (63.3%). Retrograde elongation of the tooth apices in the mandible was present in 39 (43.3%), and it was present in the maxilla in 48 (53%). Clinical tooth crowns were overgrown in 39 (43%). Dental abscesses were present in 54 (63%). Secondary to the presence of a dental abscess, osteomyelitis was found in 43 (79% of the animals with a dental abscess). Dental inflammatory resorption was found in 36 (40%). Secondary to dental disease, nasal cavity inflammation was found in 18 (20%). Otitis media was present in six (6.7%). The most common dental disease found in this study’s animals was malocclusion secondary to abnormal clinical crown abrasion and abnormal tooth growth. In domestic rabbits, osteomyelitis is a common complication of dental abscesses. Computed tomography is an invaluable diagnostic method in the diagnosis of dental disease and secondary diseases of the head area, such as inflammation of the nasal cavities or otitis media, in pet rabbits.

Recently, laparoscopic nephrectomy has become more popular in veterinary medicine. In the majority of these procedures, vascular sealing devices (VSDs) are used. These allow for the closure of renal vessels with advanced bipolar coagulation. However, until now, closure of the ureter was performed with mechanical clips or suturing. There is a lack of information in the literature about the possibility of VSDs being used for ureter closure. This article presents the possibility of renal vessels and ureter closure in cats and dogs with vascular sealing devices. Laparoscopic nephrectomy in dogs and cats was performed entirely with VSDs. Patients with unilateral hydronephrosis qualified for the procedure. The nephrectomies were completely performed using a laparoscopic approach. Both renal vasculature and ureter were closed with VSDs. Additionally, two resected ureters from operated cats underwent histopathological evaluation. Among the operated animals, there were no postoperative complications or signs in the urinary tract. Histopathological evaluation of two cats’ ureters showed lumen closure on the coagulation places. Vascular sealing devices, during laparoscopic nephrectomy, allow for closure of not only the renal vessels but also ureters.

Background: Incongruity is a primary cause of elbow dysplasia. The aims of this study included assessing the prevalence of incongruity, determining reference ranges for joint space widths of the elbow joints in asymptomatic animals, and analyzing the correlations between incongruity and other primary causes of elbow dysplasia. Methods: The study was conducted in 108 dogs of different sexes and aged from 3 to 15 months. The animals were divided into two groups: group I (50 dogs) comprising healthy animals and group II (58 dogs) comprising sick animals. Results: All the dogs in group I were considered healthy. In these dogs, the mean radioulnar “step” height based on the X-ray examination was 0.85 ± 0.33 mm, the mean joint space width of the humeroulnar joint assessed in the computed tomography (CT) examination was 1.34 ± 0.34 mm, and the mean joint space width of the humeroradial joint was 1.43 ± 0.31 mm. In group II, incongruity was detected in 30 and 41 dogs based on the X-ray and CT scan images, respectively. The mean radioulnar “step” height in the dogs with incongruity based on the X-ray examination was 2.05 ± 0.53 mm, while that in the CT examination was 2.33 ± 0.74 mm. The mean joint space width of the humeroulnar joint based on the computed tomography (CT) examination was 3.189 ± 1.03 mm, and the mean joint space width of the humeroradial joint was 2.916 ± 0.702 mm. The most common diagnosis was a combination of incongruity with medial coronoid process disease. Conclusions: Based on the conducted studies, the following reference values were determined: for the height of the radioulnar “step” measured on radiographs, 0.3–1.5 mm; for the height of the radioulnar “step” measured in the CT examination, 0–1.5 mm; for the width of the joint space of the humeroulnar joint measured on MPR images in the sagittal section, 0.8–2.2 mm; and, for the width of the joint space of the humeroradial joint measured on MPR images in the sagittal section, 0.7–2.5 mm. An elbow incongruity was the most frequently diagnosed primary cause of elbow dysplasia, most often occurring in combination with other causes, particularly medial coronoid process disease.

Ectopic ureters are uncommon congenital abnormalities in dogs, leading to urinary incontinence. Ectopic ureters can be intramural or extramural. Intramural is usually the more prevalent form. Female dogs are affected more often than male dogs. This disease requires the surgical correction of the ureters. Three surgical techniques have been described in this regard: neoureterostomy, nephroureterectomy, and ureteroneocystostomy. In this study, we present minimally invasive surgical procedures for treating extra- and intramural ectopic ureters. Sixteen client-owned dogs with clinical signs of urinary incontinence due to ectopic ureters underwent surgery. Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomies were performed to correct three extramural cases and one atypical intramural case of ectopic ureters. Additionally, cystoscopically guided laser ablation was used to correct 12 cases of intramural ectopic ureters. In all cases, the procedures were achieved without the need for conversion to open surgery. Among the minor complications, slight hematuria and a few cases of cystitis, which responded to conservative treatment, were noted. Major postoperative complications were not observed. Only one out of sixteen dogs failed to regain urinary continence, but it responded to pharmacological treatment. In conclusion, cases of ectopic ureters may benefit from minimally invasive surgical techniques when their use is feasible.