2003 - 72 (6)

An aneurysmal bone cyst was diagnosed in the pelvis of a 3 1/2-year-old domestic short-hair cat. Clinically, the cat was suffering from tenesmus and dysuria. Radiographs showed an expansive lytic lesion appearing as a subperiosteal ‘blow-out’ of the ventral aspects of the pubic and ischial bones. Definitive diagnosis was provided by histopathology. The veterinary literature on aneurysmal bone cysts is reviewed.

Clinical navicular disease (CND) is a classification diagnosis defined as a lameness originating in the foot with clinical signs compatible with navicular disease syndrome (ND): the lameness is blocked by distal digital palmar analgesia (DDPA) and no radiographic signs of ND are present. Fifty horses with CND were injected with corticosteroid intra-articularly into the distal interphalangeal (D.I.P.) joint to evaluate the effect of such applications. Follow-up was done by questionnaire, and mean follow-up time was at least one year. Within three to four days after “treatment,” 34% of the horses were sound and remained so for two months and longer. In 66% of the horses, no or insufficient (less than two months) effect was recorded. It is suggested that, in horses with CND, 1/3 might have lameness originating from the palmar compartment of the D.I.P. joint, and 2/3 have pain that might be localized in the bursa (results of previous study).

Canine nasal aspergillosis is a common disease that continues to present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. On physical examination, a profuse mucopurulent/hemorrhagic discharge, ulceration of the external nostrils, and facial pain or discomfort are the three most commonly encountered features. Hematology/chemistry is unrewarding. Serology, most commonly an agar gel double diffusion test, is easily performed and it has a very low rate of false positives (0-6%), but it may be falsely negative in the early stage of the disease. Imaging diagnosis of nasal aspergillosis is based on turbinate destruction, mucosal thickening and hyperostosis. Radiography is currently the most commonly used imaging technique, though its diagnostic value and reliability are still controversial. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance are promising emerging techniques. Rhinoscopy permits direct visualization of fungal colonies in 80 to 100% of the dogs and also has a therapeutic role. Culture is very hard to interpret, as 40% of nasal swabs of normal dogs and those with nasal neoplasia will yield Aspergillus. Cytology and histology show aspecific features in the absence of visualization of fungal hyphae, which occur in approximately 50% of the dogs.A definite diagnosis of nasal aspergillosis should reasonably be based on at least three positive diagnostic tests, including direct visualization of fungal colonies with rhinoscopy. Differentiation from other causes of chronic nasal disease is mainly based on the imaging findings, rhinoscopy and histology.

A 9-month-old Belgian shepherd dog was evaluated for chronic nasal discharge. Oral examination revealed the absence of the left upper canine tooth. Radiographs showed impaction of this tooth into the left nasal cavity with caudal displacement of the tooth root. Rhinoscopy demonstrated the presence of fungal colonies. The impacted tooth was surgically removed and the nasal cavity flushed with enilconazole 1%. No recurrence was observed during a follow-up period of two years.