Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to K A Tryon.
A 6-year-old, intact male Siberian husky was evaluated for a 24-hour history of vomiting and lethargy. Diagnosis of emphysematous cholecystitis was achieved based on survey abdominal radiographs, a barium contrast gastrointestinal series, and abdominal ultrasound. Diagnosis and medical and surgical management of the condition are discussed.
Osteochondrosis is a poorly understood condition that affects many species, including cattle. Its incidence is not fully appreciated in the cattle industry for many reasons. Most of the reports show a male, purebred predilection, but this may simply be a result of the typical population for which medical attention is sought. With the increasing value of female breeding stock, a less skewed distribution of the disease will most likely result. Distribution of lesions is similar to that in the horse, with the stifle and tarsus most commonly affected. Treatment is divided into medical and surgical options, but neither seem to be strikingly effective as of yet. Surgical techniques include arthroscopy and arthrotomy, and both have their complicating factors. How osteochondrosis as a disease will affect the cattle industry is still to be decided. If the incidence rate does increase with more animals being valued for their economic potential, then treatment options will surely be reevaluated and refined.
Ultrasonography has proven its worth in both small animal and equine musculoskeletal work. It allows visualization of soft tissue that is not possible with anything barring magnetic resonance imaging. In bovine practice, ultrasound has been used to great effect in reproductive work and has also shown itself to be of value in the evaluation of the thorax, abdomen, and the udder. Ultrasound examination of the bovine limb is certainly feasible because of the availability of small portable and affordable equipment. The restraint necessary is dependent on the animal. Cattle, because of their size and inherent dislike of restraint, pose a challenge for ultrasonographic examination. However, if proper restraint is used, it seems possible that ultrasonography may become a helpful tool in the evaluation of soft tissue injuries. It should prove to provide valuable information that may be used to offer better advice with regard to treatment and prognosis.
Intraspinal cysts of the L6-L7 and L7-S1 articular process joints in a six-year-old neutered female German Shepherd Dog were diagnosed using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Histopathology provided a diagnosis of ganglion cysts. Clinical, laboratory, radiographic and MR imaging findings are described. Briefly, radiographic findings revealed lumbarization of the first sacral vertebra, and fusion of the first caudal vertebra to the sacrum. In addition, spondylosis and articular process osteoarthrosis occurred at L6-L7 and L7-S1. MR imaging revealed multiple, well encapsulated structures ranging in size from 3-10 mm in diameter which were found to arise from the L6-L7 and L7-S1 articular process joints. These cysts had signal intensities that varied from hyperintense to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on T1 weighted images to isointense to CSF on T2 weighted images. Decompressive surgery in conjunction with arthrodesis of these joints resulted in resolution of clinical signs. The dog remained pain-free 1 1/2 years following surgical therapy.