Skeletal disorders in companion animals are included relatively significant percentage of referred cases to the hospital or clinic in every region. The major skeletal problems have been reported among growing young dogs and large breeds, while small breed dogs are prone to some bone diseases. Lack of balanced nutrition (especially for protein and calcium) is one of the effective factors in the creation of bone disorders. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence and types of bone defects such as fractures, infections, neoplasia and other skeletal acquired complications in the limb organs, head and column, based on prepared radiographs during eleven years (2004-2014) in the radiology department of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz respectively. As well as factors such as age, gender, breed and weight were measured. During eleven years, a total of 4355 cases were referred to radiology department, of which 1054 cases (24.20%) were related to dogs. Of these, 425 cases (40.4%) had skeletal disorders. Of these, 46.59% were related to large breed and 53.41% for small breeds. Diseases and observed disorders were included fractures, luxation's and other skeletal disorders. The most important of these cases were femoral fracture (28.34%), tibia (22.46%), radius (26.71%) and ulna (27.95%). The age of the studied animals, were in ranging two months to nine years old. In this study, 62.35% of the dogs were male and 37.65% female. Statistically a significant difference was not seen for age (between mature and immature), gender and breed (large and small) (P>0.05). This survey showed that radiography is a valuable method for diagnosing of skeletal disorders and their frequency in relation with factors such as age, gender, breed and location in the dogs.

 The thymus is an organ of the lymphatic and immune system that has a great importance in young animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dimensions, echogenicity and location of the thymus in the healthy mixed breed puppies during the first 5 months of life using radiography and ultrasonography. In this study, two pregnant bitches from mixed breeds were prepared and five healthy male puppies were isolated after their parturition for monthly evaluation in first 5 months of life by radiography and ultrasonography. Radiographic evaluation of thymus was done on plain radiographs in right lateral and ventrodorsal views. Based on two-way analysis of variance, only age had significant effect on the dimensions of the thymus gland (p <0.05). The highest mean (± SD) of length, width, surface and volume of the thymus gland were estimated (32.00±2.35) mm, (7.08 ±0.43) mm, (1.62±0.22) square centimeter and (0.72±0.11) cubic centimeter, respectively, at 2 months old puppies. Similarly the lowest mean (± SD) of length, width, surface and volume of the thymus gland were estimated (24.26±2.29) mm, (6.08±0.28) mm, (1.16±0.24) square centimeter and (0.47±0.05) cubic centimeter, respectively, at 5 months old puppies. Only in four of radiographs prepared from the ventrodorsal views of mixed breed puppies shadow of the thymus were observed. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the thymus of mixed breed puppies was regressed about 4 months old and ultrasonography as an available and choice method be able to determine the exact dimensions of the thymus in compared to X-ray analysis

Using of ultrasonography and radigraphy techniques, has more application, compared with other methods, for the diagnosing of urinary stone in dogs. The purpose of the present survey was to investigate the comparison between ultrasonography and radiography in the detection of urinary stones in healthy dogs and the population with signs of urinary stone, among the referred cases to the Veterinary Hospital in Ahvaz district. The prevalence of urinary stones was determined and the effects of age, gender, breed, living environment, and diet were evaluated also. This study was done during 4 years. Selection of the dogs were taken in two seasons (cold and warm), and among the animal population with signs of urinary stone, and without clinical signs. The diagnosis process of urolithiasis, was that initially two x-ray were taken from abdominal cavity of the studied dogs in the radiology department, then ultrasonography was performed simultaneously. The obtained results showed that the prevalence of urinary stones was 2.91% during 2014-15 and 5.88%, 5.55% and 4.25% during the years of 2012-14 respectively. The prevalence of urinary stones were determined in dogs with clinical signs, male and age more than three years. The present results showed that the prevalence of urinary stones was significantly more in the population of dogs with clinical signs compared with dogs without the signs (P<0.001), but the significant difference was not seen for the factors such as gender, breed and season (P>0.05). In comparison between two used techniques, it was not seen a significant difference for detecting of urinary stones (P>0.05). the present survey showed that the prevalence of urinary stones was slightly higher in this area (average for 4 years = 4.65%), compared with other regions of the world that is reported an average of three percent. This difference may be due to different weather conditions, diet and living environment.

 Color Doppler ultrasonography is suitable method for assessing of vascular hemodynamic. This procedure is non-invasive and has no side effects, so it can be considered as a good alternative to angiography. The purpose of the present survey was the evaluation of Acepromazine (0/15 mg/kg IM) and diazepam (0/4 mg/kg IV) effects on spleen vascular indices in healthy native cats by color doppler ultrasonography technique. The present study was done on twenty native cats (10 male cats and 10 females) and in a similar weight range. In the first group, diazepam was injected and In the second group, acepromazine only. Vascular indices of spleen (artery and vein) where measured in two groups in times 1o, 30 and 60 minute (after administration of drug) In the studied cat’s population: Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV), End Diastolic Velocity (EDV), Mean Velocity (MV), Resistive Index (RI), Pulsatility Index (PI), Volum Flow (VF) and Specteral wave forms (SWF). The obtained results showed that arterial vascular parameters of PSV, EDV, MV and VF had significant difference between two groups under treatment (P<0.05). The most changes were seen in the treated group with acepromazine, so that PSV and EDV indices were increased from 14/98 ±1/13 and 11/83±1/12 in minute 10 to 18/21±1/13 and 16/19±1/12 in minute 60 (according to cm/sec). In survey of vascular indices of vein, parameters of EDV, MV, RI, PI and VF were significant between two different groups (P<0.05). The above measured parameters had not significant difference between two gender (male and female) mainly (P>0.05). In conclusion, the present results showed that aceperomazine compared with diazepam, was caused more perfusion in splenic vascular significantly. As a result Aceperomazin can not be a good drug for restraint of cats for ultrasonography evaluation of abdominal cavity, but diazepam can be administerd before clinical examination in restless cats.

 The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ of major immunological importance that is found in all vertebrates with exception of jawless fishes. The importance of the thymus is best demonstrated by the marked impairment in cellular immune function and susceptibility to infection, which occurs in neonatally athymic experimental animals or humans with congenital thymic aplasia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dimensions, echogenicity and the position of the thymus in kitten and adult healthy domestic short- haired cats using radiography and ultrasonography. In this study of 10 domestic short-hair cats under 6 months and 10 adult cats older than 6 months were used. After anti-parasitic drugs and vaccines administration, They were kept in the hospital for 2 weeks. Then plain radiographs of the dorsoventral and ventrodorsal views were taken. Ultrasonographic evaluation were performed with 7.5 MHz linear transducer. Ultrasonography approach to create the best image of the thymus in right lateral recumbency was the left side of the upper sternum. The mean ± SD of length, width, surface and volume of thymus in immature cats were 39.34 ± 3.27 mm, 10.88 ± 0.84 mm, 4.23 ± 0.37 cm2 and 2.91 ± 0.43 cm3, respectively. Also the mean ± SD of length, width, surface and volume of thymus in mature cats were 19.12 ± 2.28 mm, 6.85 ± 1.00 mm, 1.28 ± 0.16 cm2 and 0.87 ± 0.12 cm3, respectively. Based on the two-way ANOVA test all thymic dimensions of immature thymus were significantly greater than adult cats (p<0.001). In radiographic evaluation, thymus shadow was seen in only two immature cats. It seems that radiographic technique is not suitable for thymus evaluation in cats while ultrasonography as an available and choice method able to determine the exact dimensions of the thymus.

contrast media Radiography is a imaging method which provides high resolution images for Gastrointestinal. To the based on our knowledge, there is a little study, about radiographic evaluation of drug effects on gastrointestinal transit time of contrast media in dogs in the literature. The aim of this survey is radiographic evaluation of metoclopramide and cisapride effects on gastrointestinal transit time of contrast media in dogs. Research was performed on fifteen clinically healthy adult native dogs. For this purpose, the dogs were divided into three equal groups (five in each group). The first group was the control group that was received ketamine (20 mg/kg) and aceperomazine (0.15 mg/kg) sedation drug, before administration of contrast media (barium sulfate). The second group was metoclopramide group that was received metoclopramide (0.5 mg/kg) and sedative drugs and the third group was cisapride group that was received cisapride (0.5 mg/kg) and sedative drugs, before administration of contrast media. Initially the radiographs were taken before the administration of contrast media in each dog, to find the appropriate exposure factors. It was followed after taking several radiographs at 0, 20, 40 and 60 minutes (after administration of contrast media) and each hour until arriving contrast media to colon (inclusive of contrast media evacuation onset of stomach, complete evacuation of stomach, entrance of contrast media to intestines and colon). It was shown that start time of contrast media evacuation of stomach had not significant difference between control and metoclopramide groups (p>0.05), nevertheless there was a significant difference between cisapride group with control and metoclopramide groups (p<0.05).The averages of complete evacuation time of contrast media from stomach were 84, 56 and 44 minutes for the control, metoclopramide and cisapride groups respectively. It was shown a significant difference between the control group with the other two groups (p<0.05), but there was not a significant difference between metoclopramide and cisapride groups (p>0.05). In fact, both drugs caused faster evacuation of contrast media of stomach. In conclusion, statistical analysis showed that different groups have a significant difference onset contrast media evacuation of stomach, but it was not significant, for the complete evacuation of contrast media of digestive system (stomach and intestines). The further studies are recommended for other prokinetic drugs.

  The aim of this survey is radiographic evaluation of chlorperomazine and cisapride effects on gastro-intestinal transit time of contrast media in cats. Research Was performed on eighteen clinically healthy adult domestic cats (average weight 3.5 kg). For this purpose, the cats were divided into three groups. The first group was the control group that was received only ketamine sedation drug (20 mg/kg), before administration of contrast media (barium sulfate). The second group was chlorpromazine group that was received chlorpromazine (0.5 mg/kg) and ketamine drugs and the third group was cisapride group that was recieved cisapride (2.5 mg/cat) and ketamine drugs, before administration of contrast media. There were six cats in each group that were three male cats and three females. Initially the radiographs were taken before the administration of contrast media in each cat, to find the appropriate exposure factors. It was followed after taking several radiographs at 0, 20, 40 and 60 minutes (after administration of contrast media) and each hour until arriving contrast media to colon (Inclusive of contrast media evacuation of stomach, complete evacuation of stomach, entrance of contrast media to intestines and complete evacuation of contrast media of colon. It was shown that start time of contrast media evacuation of stomach had not significant difference between control and chlorpromazine groups (p>0.05), nevertheless there was a significant difference between cisapride group with control and chlorpromazine groups (p<0.05). The averages of complete evacuation time of contrast media from stomach were 70, 43.3 and 30 minutes for the control, chlorpromazine and cisapride groups respectively. It was shown a significant difference between the control group with the other two groups (p<0.05), but there was not a significant difference between chlorpromazine and cisapride groups (p>0.05). In fact, both drugs caused faster evacuation of contrast media of stomach. In the other words, the contrast media arrive to colon faster and cause that the time of contrast media passing be shortened. In general, the gender had not effect on gastro-intestinal transit time of contrast media. In conclusion, statistical analysis showed that the treated different groups have a significant difference in start time of contrast media evacuation of stomach, but it was not significant, for the complete evacuation of contrast media of digestive system (stomach and intestines). The further studies are recommended for other                  prokinetic drugs.               

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a group of analgesics, which have been used in veterinary medicine progressively, especially in recent years. It has been reported that NSAIDs may impair normal bone healing which leads to some concerns about using of these drugs particularly after orthopedic surgeries. Because of finding no study in evaluation of the effects of NSAID in cats, thus the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ketoprofen on the bone healing following experimental tibial fracture in the cats. In the present study potential adverse effects of ketoprofen on GI tract and renal and hemostasis function were also determined. To conduct the study 10 domestic short hair adult male cats (mean age: 21 months; mean weight: 3.55 kg) were used. After restraining, induction of anesthesia and routine preparation of surgical site, the midtibia of the right leg was exposed and separated using a gigli wire. Fixation was performed with a intramedullary pin and fiberglass cast. After surgery, the animals were allocated randomly into two groups (n = 5) and received either treatments of ketoprofen (2 mg/kg) or saline subcutaneously in the dorsal region of the neck for seven days. Radiographic Evaluation was performed in craniocaudal and mediolateral views at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after surgery. In addition endoscopic evaluation of esophagus and gastric mucosa, measurement of BUN and creatinine, and determination of platelet count and bleeding time were also performed till 28 days postoperatively. Radiographic results of this study showed a significant lower callus formation in ketoprofen group compared to saline in 28th day after surgery (P < 0.05). Endoscopic evaluation, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine, platelet count and bleeding time (BT) did not show any significant differences in both groups(P > 0.05). Based on the results of this study it seems that ketoprofen could delay normal bone healing in experimentally tibial fracture in cats. This drug has no adverse effects on esophagus and gastric mucosa, BUN and Creatinine values and hemostasis function in the cats. According to the results of the present survey, It is recommended using of ketoprofen was done cautiously in cats, especially after orthopedic surgeries.

Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) is an important disease of high relatively prevalence in Iran (predominantly in puppies less than 6 months). In the present study, the ultrasonographic and radiographic findings of the gastrointestinal tract of dogs suffering from hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic diarrheawere characterized. Thirty dogs between 2 until 11 months of age (mean= 5.43 months) with confirmed canine parvoviral enteritis were examined by immunochromatography assay (ICA). The studied dogs were categorized into three groups: Group A (hemorrhagic diarrhea due to parvovirus), B (non-parvovirus hemorrhagic diarrhea) and C (non- hemorrhagic diarrhea). Each group was divided into subgroups 1 (less than 6 months) and 2 (above 6 months). Ultrasonographic findings included fluid-filled small intestines in 26.67% of subjects, and stomach and colon in 10% and 0% of subjects, respectively. Generalized atony was present in 7 subjects (23.33%). Gastro-intestinal corrugations were seen in 23 of subjects (76.67%). The mean of wall thickness of stomach, small intestine and colon were 1.38, 2.14 and 0.9 mm for group A1 and 1.5, 1.96 and 0.84 mm for group A2 respectively. The above parameters for groups B1, B2, C1 and C2 were obtained 1.52, 2.16, 0.86; 1.36, 2.06, 0.88; 1.46, 1.86, 0.88 and 1.54, 2.18, 0.94 respectively. A moderate amount of anechoic free peritoneal fluid was observed in 2 subjects (6.67%) of group A. The mean of peristaltic contractions in small intestine of different groups A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 were detected 1.6, 1.4, 2.18, 1.5, 2.1 and 2.4 respectively. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between groups A and B with C group (p<0.05), but the difference was not significant between groups A with B (p>0.05). The obtained results that hemorrhagic diarrheas (parvovirus and non-parvovirus) can decrease the number of peristaltic contractions in small intestine. Changes in echogensity as hyperechoic (6 out of 30; 20%) and hypoechoic (5 out of 30; 16.67%) were seen and the remained (19 out of 30; 63.33%) were normal. Ascites were detected in radiography and ultrasonography, only in 2 cases (6.67%), probably due to decreasing in total protein. Clinicians must be aware that the administration of anticholinergic drugs not allowed in hemorrhagic diarrhea. Although none of the above changes are pathognomonic for canine parvoviral enteritis but the above findings in combination with other signs can be highly helpful in the treatment process.

 

Although camel is a ruminant animal, but dromedary camel skull anatomy has many similarities with the horse skull. Lack of references on normal radiography of head region makes difficult interpretation of head radiographs in camels. The purpose of this study was obtaining normal radiographic images of head region of one humped camels and definition of each head bone structures and soft tissue on radiographs. Six healthy camel heads from slaughterhouse were selected. some radiographs were prepared from the samples by the dorso- ventral, ventro- dorsal, lateral and oblique views. Three skulls were prepared as a routine anatomical methods for compare with radiographs. Finally radiographs were coded and numbered. Radiographic findings showed in lateral radiographs of face, nasal cavity and its meandrous concha was easily assessable. In lateral radiographs of the skull, occipital bones and its great condyle were seen. In DV and VD views of the face, vomer was defined. In oblique views, mandible, maxilla and teeth were seen obviously.
The results of this study can be used as a radiographical reference in detecting the effects head in dromedary camels skull.
 

Doppler ultrasonography is a suitable method for assessment of the vascular anatomy and given that blood flow in the liver can be considered as an early sign of serious liver failure, so knowing of the vascular parameters can be considered as a valuable indicator for assessment of the liver health. The aim of the present study was assessing of the hepatic arteries indices in healthy domestic cats with color Doppler Ultrasonography technique. The survey was performed on twenty native cats (10 male and 10 female) with 1 to 2 years of age and in a similar weight range (2.7 kg). Doppler indices of liver vascular (portal vein and hepatic artery) such as PSV, EDV, RI, PI, MV, VF and the spectral wave forms were measured in the studied cats population. The mean and deviation of portal veins were as follow: PSV: 40.68±9.82‚ EDV: 23.38± 5.78‚ RI: 0.48±0.10‚ PI: 0.72±0.26‚ MV: 25.81±5.04, VF: 2.49±0.64‚ and for hepatic arteries were‚ PSV: 49.79±9.45‚ EDV: 31.92±5.05‚ RI: 0.59±0.09‚ PI: 0.85±0.20‚ VF: 34.73±5.47, MV: 3.03±0.44 respectively. The results showed that there was not show a significant difference between males and females (P>0.05). The obtained results can be used for comparesion with the various hepatic diseases in cats. It should be noted that the importance of hepatic blood flow is higher in cats than dogs, due to defects in liver enzymes.