Radiographic Mensuration of Caudal Vena Cava, Aorta, Vertebral Length and Fourth Rib Width and Ascertaining their Ratios in Healthy Dogs

Background: Caudal vena cava generally travels from the abdominal cavity to the right atrium and visible on lateral thoracic radiograph. Dilation of Caudal vena cava is generally considered as an abnormality for diagnosis of right-side heart failure. Normal range of ratio of caudal vena cava to associated structures can help in differentiating normal dogs from abnormal dogs. The present study was aimed to find such ratio in normal dogs and their clinical relevance. Methods: The present study was conducted on 19 healthy dogs of either sex belonging to different age-groups presented to the Department. They were anaesthetized and subjected to thoracic radiography in standard positions. The width of caudal vena cava (CVC), the descending aorta (AO), right fourth thoracic rib (R4) and the length of thoracic vertebrae (VL) were measured in left lateral (LeL) radiographic views to calculate ratios like CVC/AO, CVC/VL, CVC/R4, AO/VL, AO/R4. Result: The results revealed a wider range of some of such ratios than those reported so far by other workers for healthy dogs. Moreover, a wide variation in shape of CVC and size of R4 was noticed in individuals. It is concluded that the existing range of such ratio needs to be modified for better clinical relevance and overall such ratios do not represent a sensitive diagnostic modality.

Sex Wise Morphometrical Studies on the Mid Thoracic Ribs of Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus)

Background: The Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) is regarded as one of the biggest antelopes in Asia and safeguarded beneath the IUCN since 2003 and under safeguard of ‘Schedule III’ of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This study focused on the detailed gross morphometrical study of mid thoracic ribs of Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus).Methods: The present morphometrical study was carried out in six specimens of adult Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) of either sex. The measurements of various parameters of ribs were taken with the help of weighing machine, thread, scale and digital Vernier’s calliper. Result: It was found that the average diameter of the head of the fourth rib was found to be 2.56±0.01 cm in adult Blue bull. Further, it was measured as 2.53±0.01 cm in females that was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was found to be 2.59±0.01 cm. The average cranio-caudal diameter of the cranial articular facet of the head of 5th rib was found to be 0.97±0.01 cm in adult Blue bull. Further, it was measured as 0.95±0.02 cm in females that was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was found to be 1.00±0.01 cm. The average diameter of the tubercle of sixth rib at the dorso-ventral aspect was found to be 1.66±0.01 cm in adult Blue bull. Further, it was measured as 1.64±0.02 cm in females that was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was found to be 1.69±0.02 cm. Similarly, the average minimum length of the neck of sixth rib at the cranial aspect was found to be 0.68±0.01 cm in adult Blue bull. Further, it was measured as 0.65±0.02 cm in females that was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was found to be 0.70±0.01 cm. The average diameter of vascular groove of seventh rib at the proximal aspect was found to be 0.56±0.01 cm in adult Blue bull. Further, it was measured as 0.52±0.01 cm in females that was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was found to be 0.60±0.01 cm.

Radiographic Measurements of the Cardiac Silhouette and Comparison with Other Radiographic Landmarks in Wild Galahs (Eolophus roseicapilla)

Background: Part of the diagnostic workup for cardiac diseases is radiographic imaging. To determine an enlarged heart, species-specific reference values are necessary. Wild birds are rarely diagnosed with cardiac disease, and only a few studies have been done to investigate the cardiac silhouette in wild birds. Methods: In this retrospective study, the cardiac silhouette of 36 wild galahs, presented at the hospital, was investigated in relation to other anatomic landmarks like the thoracic width, clavicula width, synsacrum width, distance between the third and fourth rib, distance of the clavicula, and length and height of the sternum using a digital DICOM viewer. Results: The cardiac width was significant compared to the thoracic width with a minimum to maximum of 50 to 65%. The cardiac width compared with the coracoid width also showed significant results with a minimum to maximum range of 570 to 743%. A significant correlation was found between the weight and the cardiac width and length. Conclusion: The cardiac silhouette in wild galahs is easily measured in both radiographic views, and the heart size can be compared to other anatomical landmarks.

Some Breast Malformations

The breast or milk gland is the largest skin gland, characteristic of the female gender, which is called the whole mammalian genus. It is located on the ventral side of the chest at the border of the bone and cartilage of the fourth rib. Breast is a genetic apocrine skin gland. The female infant’s breast does not differ from the male infant’s breast. One and the other immediately after birth excrete secretion under the influence of prolactin hormone. Until the beginning of puberty, men’s and women’s breasts are developing equally, and then men’s breasts are generally no longer developing while women breasts, under the influence of female sex hormones, develop and its development ends during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Some Breast Malformations

The breast or milk gland is the largest skin gland, characteristic of the female gender, which is called the whole mammalian genus. It is located on the ventral side of the chest at the border of the bone and cartilage of the fourth rib. Breast is a genetic apocrine skin gland. The female infant’s breast does not differ from the male infant’s breast. One and the other immediately after birth excrete secretion under the influence of prolactin hormone. Until the beginning of puberty, men’s and women’s breasts are developing equally, and then men’s breasts are generally no longer developing while women breasts, under the influence of female sex hormones, develop and its development ends during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Metastatic mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas presenting as intractable back pain

An 85-year-old woman presented to the emergency department for evaluation of gradually worsening upper back pain of 3 weeks’ duration. Her pain radiated down her right arm and was associated with right arm weakness. She reported visiting pain medicine specialists who administered steroid and lidocaine injections, which failed to improve her symptoms. Initial CT of her chest revealed a large lytic lesion within her posterior right fourth rib extending into her T4 vertebral body. The primary malignancy, a mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas, was later found on a CT of the abdomen. The patient was also found to have multiple pulmonary, hepatic and lymphatic metastases from the pancreatic primary tumour.