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        <title>Frontiers in Veterinary Science | Veterinary Imaging section | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/sections/veterinary-imaging</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Veterinary Imaging section in the Frontiers in Veterinary Science journal | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
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        <pubDate>2026-05-13T21:06:52.645+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
        <item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1811948</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1811948</link>
        <title><![CDATA[3D anatomy of the heart in teaching: differentiating physiological and pathological changes in wild ungulates in central Europe]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Klára Matějka Košinová</author><author>Alena Říhová</author><author>Rostislav Linda</author><author>Jan Cukor</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionAccurate knowledge of the heart's anatomy and its physiological variability in wild ungulates is essential for the correct interpretation of necropsy and imaging findings, veterinary diagnostics, and teaching in fields focused on hunting and wildlife management. One of the most frequently misinterpreted structures is the Os cordis, whose occurrence, morphology, and clinical significance in most species of wild ungulates have not yet been sufficiently studied by modern imaging methods. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to systematically describe the occurrence, localization, and morphometric characteristics of the Os cordis of the most common Central European wild ungulates using computed tomography (CT) and to verify the contribution of CT-based 3D models for teaching and distinguishing between physiological and pathological changes in the heart.MethodsA total of 131 hearts of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama), mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon), and wild boar (Sus scrofa) were examined using the multidetector CT.ResultsThe presence, location, density, volume, and size of the Os cordis were evaluated. Digital 3D models were created from DICOM data and used for both morphological analysis and teaching purposes. Os cordis was found in all ruminants studied, Os cordis was found in 43 out of 45 roe deer, in 32 out of 36 mouflons, in 17 out of 18 red deer, and in all fallow deer hearts, while it was not found in wild boar. The density and size of the Os cordis increased significantly with age and differed between sexes and species, while volume was primarily influenced by body weight. The integration of 3D models into teaching led to a significant improvement in students' ability to correctly locate and identify the Os cordis.DiscussionThe results demonstrate that CT and 3D modeling are effective tools for cardiac morphology research, veterinary diagnostics, and modern teaching.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1785784</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1785784</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Case Report: Preliminary evaluation of time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics magnetic resonance imaging for assessing temporal enhancement patterns in small animal head and neck tumors]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Case Report</category>
        <author>Sunghwa Hong</author><author>Soyeon Kim</author><author>Eunji Kim</author><author>Junghee Yoon</author><author>Jihye Choi</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Time-resolved magnetic resonance angiography provides dynamic information on contrast passage reflecting tumor vascularity and enhancement kinetics. Time-Resolved Imaging of Contrast KineticS (TRICKS) is established in veterinary medicine for vascular mapping; however, its specific utility for evaluating intratumoral enhancement heterogeneity and treatment response has not been described. This case series aimed to evaluate the feasibility of TRICKS for assessing temporal enhancement patterns and semi-quantitative temporal indices in small animal head and neck tumors undergoing radiation therapy. Three client-owned animals (two dogs with intracranial meningiomas and one cat with ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma) underwent MRI including TRICKS, as well as triple-phase computed tomography, for diagnostic evaluation, radiation therapy planning, or post-treatment follow-up. Across all cases, TRICKS provided temporally resolved enhancement information that was not appreciable on conventional contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRI or triple-phase CT. TRICKS delineated delayed peripheral filling, inward-progressive enhancement, and intratumoral temporal heterogeneity, enabling clearer differentiation of rapidly enhancing regions from delayed or suspected non-enhancing components. Semi-quantitative parameters (enhancement integral, mean time to enhance, maximum slope of increase, and mean slope of decrease) demonstrated regional differences consistent with these enhancement patterns. In two cases, TRICKS identified post-radiation changes and delineated non-enhancing parenchymal defects chronologically prior to their clear appearance on other modalities. These exploratory findings suggests TRICKS can provide time-resolved enhancement surrogates in veterinary patient tumors, contributing to improved characterization of tumor compartmentalization and post-treatment evaluation. However, this serves as a preliminary technical feasibility report, and further studies with larger cohorts and histopathological validation are warranted to validate these observations.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1778331</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1778331</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Optimizing transducer choice for the detection of alveolar–interstitial syndrome in dogs and cats: an evidence-based review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-30T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Kyle L. Granger</author><author>Cody I. Riffe</author><author>Søren R. Boysen</author><author>Charles T. Talbot</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Alveolar–interstitial syndrome (AIS) is a common ultrasonographic finding in dogs and cats with pulmonary pathology, including cardiogenic pulmonary edema, noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and pulmonary contusion. Point-of-care lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a rapid, noninvasive, and repeatable diagnostic tool for identifying AIS in emergency and critical care patients. Despite its increasing clinical adoption, transducer selection remains largely operator-dependent, with limited evidence-based guidance for veterinary applications. This review synthesizes current veterinary and human literature to evaluate how transducer type influences the detection and characterization of AIS in small animals. The acoustic properties, field of view, penetration depth, and resolution trade-offs of linear, curvilinear, and microconvex transducers are discussed in relation to B-line visualization, pleural line assessment, and detection of subpleural consolidations. Comparative performance data, including the results of recent veterinary studies, are integrated to highlight differences in diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and interobserver reliability. A clinical decision-making framework is proposed, outlining optimal transducer selection by patient size, suspected pathology, and clinical context (triage, monitoring, follow-up). Practical considerations such as transducer availability, equipment ergonomics, and operator training are addressed. Knowledge gaps and future research priorities, including the role of portable devices and AI-assisted image interpretation, are identified. By consolidating the available evidence, this review aims to standardize and optimize transducer selection in veterinary lung ultrasound, improving diagnostic accuracy, accelerating clinical decision-making, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes in small animal emergency and critical care.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1779996</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1779996</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Case Report: Contrast-enhanced US and CT imaging features of nodule-in-nodule hepatocellular carcinoma in a dog]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-30T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Case Report</category>
        <author>Mihyun Choi</author><author>Yongsun Kim</author><author>Kyuseok Choi</author><author>Jihun Won</author><author>Namsoon Lee</author>
        <description><![CDATA[A spayed female Maltese dog weighing 3 kg found to have a hepatic nodule during a routine health examination. B-mode ultrasonography revealed a focal, round, heterogeneous mass located in the left lateral liver lobe, characterized by a target-like appearance with a hyperechoic center surrounded by a hypoechoic peripheral region. On contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, the lesion exhibited a central defect during the Kupffer phase. Multiphasic computed tomography (CT) demonstrated marked diffuse enhancement during the arterial phase, followed by heterogeneous washout in the portal phase. Delayed-phase CT images further revealed a hyperattenuating central nodule within a hypoattenuating peripheral component. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the B-mode, ultrasonographic, contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic, and multiphasic CT features of nodule-in-nodule hepatocellular carcinoma in a dog, closely resembling imaging characteristics reported in human medicine.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1788631</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1788631</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Case Report: Integrated imaging and molecular diagnostic approach to congenital hip dysplasia in a Hanwoo calf]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-29T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Case Report</category>
        <author>Jiyeon Kim</author><author>Woojae Choi</author><author>Kyunghyun Min</author><author>Seri Hong</author><author>Sooyoung Choi</author><author>Danil Kim</author><author>Younghye Ro</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Congenital musculoskeletal disorders in calves, including those of genetic, infectious, or nutritional origin, can result in significant economic losses because of lameness, increased treatment costs, and reduced productivity. However, an accurate diagnosis is often difficult under field conditions. This report presents a case of bilateral hip dysplasia in a 1-month-old Hanwoo calf born prematurely that exhibited progressive lameness and joint deformities. Radiographic and computed tomography examinations revealed shallow acetabular sockets and underdeveloped femoral heads, consistent with congenital hip dysplasia. Additional abnormalities were observed in the left talus and calcaneus. Hematological and biochemical analyses results were unremarkable. Polymerase chain reaction assays for commonly implicated congenital viral pathogens yielded negative results; therefore, the underlying etiology was suspected to arise from genetic defects. The calf’s clinical condition deteriorated over time, and cessation of treatment was decided. Necropsy confirmed severe bilateral joint dysplasia, luxation, and femoral head erosion. This is the first documented case of bilateral hip dysplasia in a Hanwoo calf confirmed by advanced imaging and necropsy. This report emphasizes the diagnostic value and clinical significance of advanced diagnostic modalities in assessing comparable defects in Hanwoo cattle.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1822570</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1822570</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Prevalence of ear disease in small-breed dogs undergoing cone-beam computed tomography for dental procedures]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Mahdi Haghighat</author><author>Georgia Mackay Burden</author><author>Hannah F. Boothe</author><author>Mary Krakowski Volker</author><author>Jason P. Hutt</author><author>Jennifer Tjepkema</author><author>Adrien-Maxence Hespel</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionFollowing periodontal disease, ear disease is one of the most frequently reported diseases in dogs. Ear disease often remains undiagnosed due to the vague or absent nature of its clinical signs. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), now widely used in the specialty of veterinary dentistry, enables concurrent assessment of ear structures during comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT). This study evaluated the prevalence of ear disease in small-breed dogs undergoing CBCT during COHAT procedures.MethodsDogs over 1 year of age and under 25.5 lbs. (~11.5 kg) that underwent CBCT as part of COHAT were prospectively enrolled and cross-sectionally evaluated. Imaging was reviewed for evidence of external, middle, and inner ear disease. Periodontal disease and tooth resorption were recorded to assess for potential associations.ResultsEar disease was diagnosed in 151/352 dogs (42.6%), predominantly involving the external ear canal (148 dogs). Thirty dogs had middle ear involvement, and three dogs had inner ear disease; some dogs had ear disease in multiple otic compartments. These findings exceeded previously reported clinical prevalence estimates of ear disease in dogs. No significant association was identified between CBCT-diagnosed ear disease and either periodontal disease or tooth resorption.DiscussionCBCT identified ear disease in nearly half of the evaluated dogs. Although no meaningful association was found between ear disease and dental pathology, these findings highlight the diagnostic value of CBCT beyond oral health evaluation in dogs.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1783638</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1783638</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Prevalence of iron deficiency and its association with cardiac function in dogs with various stages of myxomatous mitral valvular disease]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-17T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Arata Kitazawa</author><author>Ryohei Suzuki</author><author>Yunosuke Yuchi</author><author>Shuji Satomi</author><author>Shimpei Kawai</author><author>Takahiro Teshima</author><author>Hirotaka Matsumoto</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionIron deficiency (ID) is known to increase cardiac workload and contribute to cardiac dysfunction in humans. However, its prevalence in canine heart disease remains poorly understood.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the prevalence of ID in dogs with myxomatous mitral valvular disease (MMVD) and evaluate its association with cardiac function. Dogs diagnosed with MMVD at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University between August 2020 and December 2025 were retrospectively evaluated. ID was assessed using transferrin saturation (TSAT) as a marker of iron metabolism. Dogs were stratified into three groups according to TSAT levels. Data from physical examinations, hematological and biochemical analyses, and echocardiographic assessments were analyzed. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate intergroup differences and correlations between TSAT levels and clinical variables.ResultsID was identified in 12% (9/84) of the dogs. Dogs in the ID group demonstrated significantly higher stroke volume and cardiac output compared with those in the normal-TSAT group. In addition, TSAT was significantly and inversely correlated with cardiac output.DiscussionThese findings indicate that ID is present in a subset of dogs with MMVD and is associated with increased cardiac output, likely reflecting reduced systemic vascular resistance. This hemodynamic alteration may represent a potential risk factor for the development of high-output heart failure in this population.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1755837</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1755837</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Prevalence of mineralization in the para-aural region in dogs with and without ear disease]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-02T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Man-Hei Ma</author><author>Janet Bain</author><author>Tim Sparks</author><author>Abby Caine</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Mineralization of the para-aural soft-tissue region between the tympanic bulla, hyoid apparatus and nasopharynx in dogs has not been described in veterinary literature. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of para-aural mineralization on head computed tomography (CT), describe its morphological features, and assess associations with middle-ear disease, body weight, age, and breed. This retrospective case–control study of 1,833 canine head CTs (January 2012 – December 2024) identified para-aural mineralization in 15 dogs (0.8%) and affected cases were compared with 30 breed-matched controls. Affected dogs were predominantly male, median age 9.4 years and weight 27.3 kg, with lesions frequently bilateral, ventrolateral to the tympanic bulla, and having a median area 12.4 mm2 (median Hounsfield Units 424). All affected cases also showed external ear canal wall mineralization and 87% cf. 43% in the control cases had concurrent tympanic bulla disease (wsall thickening, lysis, and luminal soft tissue/fluid, or hyperostotic tympanic bone spicules) (p = 0.009), whereas age (p = 0.065) and weight (p = 0.709) did not differ significantly between the two groups. Dogs with para-aural mineral formations were more likely to have other soft tissue mineralization noted in the head CT. Cases with serial scans revealed coalescence of fragments, suggesting a dynamic calcification process. These CT findings indicate that para-aural mineralization is uncommon, but imaging findings could serve as a marker of occult chronic middle ear disease, rather than being associated with age or body weight.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1823856</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1823856</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Correction: Computed tomography–based analysis of external jugular vein cross–sectional area for vascular access in cats]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-23T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Correction</category>
        <author>Daeyun Seo</author><author>Sungtak Hong</author><author>Min-Su Kim</author><author>Taeho Oh</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1772226</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1772226</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Advancing bone health evaluation in Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni) using spectral detector computed tomography]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-16T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>A. Hörmann</author><author>J. Hetterich</author><author>T. Neubert</author><author>G. Campbell</author><author>K. Merhof</author><author>M. Pees</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionMetabolic bone disease (MBD) is a common disorder in captive chelonians. Early diagnosis is challenging due to non-specific clinical signs, normal blood values in early stages, and limited sensitivity of radiographs. Spectral detector computed tomography (SDCT) offers quantitative, phantomless assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) and may improve diagnostic accuracy. This study evaluated SDCT’s feasibility for measuring BMD in Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni) and its ability to distinguish healthy from MBD-affected individuals. We also examined whether CT-derived shell morphometric ratios correlate with shell softening severity.Materials and methodsTwenty-three tortoises were divided into healthy and MBD-affected groups, with shell softness graded subjectively. SDCT scans were acquired without sedation, and BMD maps were generated using a phantom-based linear calibration model. Regions of interest were placed at the gular scute, scapula, and ilium. BMD distributions, mean values, and shell morphometric ratios were compared between groups.Results106 measurement sites were analyzed. SDCT detected significant BMD declines from healthy to severely MBD-affected tortoises (p ≤ 0.05) at all sites, most pronounced at the ilium. Diseased animals showed right-skewed BMD histograms with low-attenuation pixel accumulation. Shell height-to-width ratios did not differ significantly. BMD generally reflected clinical status, though mild cases overlapped with healthy values.ConclusionSDCT is a sensitive, non-invasive method for detecting and quantifying demineralisation in Hermann’s tortoises. It distinguishes healthy from MBD-affected individuals, enables objective observer-independent assessment, and complements clinical examination. SDCT shows strong potential for early diagnosis and monitoring of treatment in chelonian MBD. Larger, age-stratified cohorts are needed to confirm these findings.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1773617</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1773617</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The dynamic 3D horse: analyzing the relationship between whole body pathomechanics and joint degeneration in the fetlocks]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Brief Research Report</category>
        <author>Gwyneth P. Miller</author><author>Jean Luc Cornille</author><author>Ronda Hanning</author><author>Alexander K. K. Lee</author><author>Elizabeth W. Uhl</author><author>Michelle L. Osborn</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Lameness is often associated with degenerative joint disease (DJD). Current therapies focus on minimizing pain or treating specific lesions but generally do not address the pathomechanical forces that are the root cause of degeneration. Treatments based on specific, whole-body therapies are becoming common in humans with DJD, but are still not routinely applied in equine cases. Designing targeted therapies for horses requires recognizing habitual postures and movements that are pathological. An important but often missing component for understanding movement postures is accurate and manipulatable anatomical models. In this case study, a three-dimensional model of a horse based on CT data is manipulated using advanced imaging and animation software Autodesk® Maya® to demonstrate the habitual working posture of a horse with DJD of the fetlock joints before, during, and after the application of a whole-body exercise regime focused on rebalancing the forces negatively impacting the hindlimbs. The horse’s movement postures throughout the targeted therapy are compared by assessing qualitative and quantitative changes in spinal curvature and fetlock joint angles. This case study serves as proof of concept for the feasibility of modeling working postures before and after rehabilitative therapy for the purpose of demonstrating the effects of physical therapy or training programs. It also provides an example of how data obtained from advanced imaging techniques like computed tomography can be used for veterinary medical breakthroughs that are based on rethinking: (1) the relationship between equine posture/movement and pathological conditions of the musculoskeletal system and (2) related training and rehabilitative strategies.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1778813</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1778813</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Case Report: Cervical internal vertebral venous plexus thrombosis diagnosed using time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography in a dog]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Case Report</category>
        <author>Rute Canejo-Teixeira</author><author>Aurelia Gasser</author><author>Daniela Schweizer</author><author>Christina Precht</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundTime-of-Flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a non-contrast imaging technique used for vascular assessment but underexplored in veterinary spinal imaging. This case report presents the use of TOF-MRA at 3 Tesla to diagnose cervical internal vertebral venous plexus (IVVP) thrombosis in a dog, advancing the application of three-dimensional imaging in veterinary neurology.Case presentationA 13-year-old castrated male Siberian Husky presented with acute cervical pain, left thoracic limb lameness, and generalized tonic–clonic epileptic seizures. Laboratory findings revealed mild neutrophilia (10.83 × 10^9/L), elevated fibrinogen (404 mg/dL), and a urinary tract infection (bacteriuria, leukocyturia, and proteinuria).Diagnosis and outcomePre- and post-contrast MRI examination of the head revealed no abnormalities of the brain. A delayed post-contrast conventional T2-weighted MRI sequence of the cervical spine demonstrated focal loss of normal flow void of the left IVVP at the C4-C5 level. Three-dimensional TOF-MRA showed a corresponding focal signal void in the left ventral IVVP from C4 to C5 and an associated venous dilation consistent with thrombosis.ConclusionThis case demonstrates TOF-MRA’s potential as a non-invasive, contrast-free method for diagnosing spinal venous thrombosis in dogs. It underscores the importance of vascular imaging in dogs with acute neurological signs, offering valuable insights for veterinary practice and future research.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1805635</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1805635</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Editorial: Monitoring and reducing errors in veterinary radiology]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Editorial</category>
        <author>Sibylle Maria Kneissl</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1729114</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1729114</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Artificial intelligence models for point-of-care ultrasound diagnostics in dogs]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-10T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ricardo Martinez</author><author>Krysta Lynn Amezcua</author><author>Sofia I. Hernandez Torres</author><author>Theodore Winter</author><author>Igor Yankin</author><author>Emilee Venn</author><author>Eric J. Snider</author><author>Thomas Edwards</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionPoint-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for the purpose of Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) is an essential diagnostic tool for triage in canine patients, but its accuracy is highly operator-dependent. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers a potential solution for improving diagnostic capability by providing real-time, automated interpretation of ultrasound images, particularly in resource-limited or pre-hospital settings. This study evaluated the feasibility and diagnostic performance of deep learning models for detecting life-threatening effusions and pneumothorax (PTX) in dogs.MethodsFive healthy military working dogs (MWDs) and twenty client-owned dogs (22–55 kg) were prospectively enrolled. MWDs were negative for injury for baseline data capture. Client-owned dogs with confirmed abdominal, pleural, pericardial effusion, or PTX were imaged using POCUS. Ultrasound clips were reviewed for quality, curated by experts, converted to image frames from videos, and used to train, optimize, and evaluate different convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures at all FAST scan sites.ResultsModels were developed for each scan site with varied performance. Diaphragmatico-hepatic scan site models achieved excellent performance (recall 98%, accuracy 97%) while the pericardial models (recall 87%, accuracy 85%) and chest tube site models (recall 81%, accuracy 88%) demonstrated good performance. The spleno-renal/hepato-renal models (recall 83%, accuracy 78%) and cysto-colic models (recall 84%, accuracy 77%) achieved fair performance. Model prediction overlays confirmed that the models for each site focused on clinically relevant regions during predictions.DiscussionDeep learning models can accurately detect effusion and PTX in canines using POCUS, with variable performance at individual sites. Limitations included small sample sizes, inclusion of only blunt trauma and non-traumatic pathology, class imbalances, and variability in the volume and location of effusion on presentation. Expanding the training datasets and refining pre-training strategies may enhance performance. These findings support the feasibility of AI-assisted ultrasound to augment triage and pre-hospital decision-making in veterinary emergency care.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1772712</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1772712</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Computed tomography–based analysis of external jugular vein cross–sectional area for vascular access in cats]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-04T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Daeyun Seo</author><author>Sungtak Hong</author><author>Min-Su Kim</author><author>Taeho Oh</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThis study evaluated the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the external jugular vein (EJV) in cats using computed tomography (CT) and assessed its correlation with body weight. Additionally, the angles between the EJV and cranial vena cava (CrVC) were evaluated.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed post-contrast CT scans of 27 cats. The CSA of the EJVs was measured at the level of the cricoid cartilage using multiplanar reconstruction, and the angles between each EJV and the CrVC were assessed. Comparisons of EJV CSA and EJV-CrVC angles were performed using paired t-tests and equivalence testing with two one-sided test procedures at a 10% equivalence margin. The correlation between EJV CSA and body weight was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Intraobserver and interobserver variability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients.ResultsMean CSA of the left and right EJVs was 7.06 ± 3.32 mm2 and 6.81 ± 3.26 mm2, respectively. Mean angles between EJVs and CrVC were 154.9 ± 8.58 and 152.5 ± 10.71 °, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between sides, and clinical equivalence was confirmed within a 10% equivalence margin. EJV CSA demonstrated a significant moderate positive correlation with body weight. Intraobserver and interobserver variability for both CSA and angle measurements were excellent.DiscussionNo significant morphological differences were identified between the left and right EJVs in cats, suggesting that both sides may be considered equivalent for vascular access. Furthermore, because EJV CSA shows only a moderate correlation with body weight, imaging-based evaluation is recommended for optimal catheter size selection.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1814552</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1814552</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Correction: Shear wave speed changes in the cervix and vulvar lips of Kivircik ewes before and after parturition]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-27T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Correction</category>
        <author>Frontiers Production Office </author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1692050</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1692050</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Dynamic muscle damage monitoring in pig crush injury: T2-weighted Dixon and 2D ultrasound applications]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Guangda Wang</author><author>Jiayi Wang</author><author>Dou Li</author><author>Qi Wang</author><author>Zikuo Zhao</author><author>Rongbang Chen</author><author>Qi Lv</author><author>Haojun Fan</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundCrush injury (CI) involves compressive trauma causing muscle swelling, compartment syndrome, and neurological damage. We examined T2-Dixon and ultrasound for CI evaluation in pigs, integrating imaging with lab and tissue findings.MethodsTwelve 15–16-month-old Bama miniature pigs were randomly divided into three extrusion groups: Group A (4 h), Group B (8 h), and Group C (16 h), using custom equipment. Blood samples were collected at baseline (T0), decompression (T1), and 12 h (T2), 24 h (T3), and 72 h (T4) post-decompression. MRI and ultrasound were performed at each time point. At T4, pigs were euthanized, and compressed muscles underwent HE staining for pathological assessment.ResultsFollowing decompression, Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and K+ levels initially rose, then declined across all groups. CK peaked at T2 or T3 (p < 0.05), with Group B > Group A at T3/T4, and Group C > Group A at T1–T3 (p < 0.05). LDH peaked at T2/T3, with Groups B and C > Group A (p < 0.05). K+ peaked at T1/T2, with Group C showing a significant increase (p < 0.05) but no difference between Groups A and B. T2-weighted signal values rose then fell in Groups A/B but increased continuously in Group C, peaking at T2/T3 (p < 0.05). Group B > Group A at T2/T3; Group C > Group A at T1–T3 and > Group B at T3 (p < 0.05). CK and LDH correlated positively with T2 signal values (strongest in Group C), while K+ showed no correlation. Ultrasound revealed mildly enhanced echogenicity and structural disorganization in Group A. Groups B and C showed more severe damage, featuring a homogeneous, featureless appearance with complete loss of normal muscle architecture and heterogeneous echogenicity with sieve-like hypoechogenicity and fat layer edema, respectively. HE staining at T4 demonstrated progressively worse muscle damage with longer extrusion times.ConclusionThis study confirmed the viability of the CI model through biochemical verification and demonstrated that T2-Dixon and ultrasound synergistically assessed muscle damage, providing a more thorough evaluation that surpasses the constraints of biochemical markers alone.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1777956</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1777956</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Feline inflammatory aural polyps: a retrospective imaging-based evaluation]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Alper Demirutku</author><author>Eylem Bektaş Bilgiç</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionFeline inflammatory aural polyps (FIAP) are common inflammatory lesions of the middle ear in cats and may cause otic, vestibular, and neurological clinical signs. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate signalment, clinical presentation, lesion localization, diagnostic imaging findings, and surgical management in cats diagnosed with FIAP.MethodsMedical records of 154 cats diagnosed between 2019 and 2024 at a university veterinary hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Data regarding age, sex, breed, clinical signs, diagnostic imaging modalities, lesion characteristics, and surgical techniques were analyzed. Diagnostic evaluation included video otoscopy, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).ResultsMost affected cats were adults aged 2–7 years, and no sex predisposition was identified. Bilateral involvement was observed in 51.1% of cases, while 48.8% were unilateral, with no statistically significant association between lesion laterality and age or breed. In 98.45% of evaluated cats, inflammatory polyps involved both the dorsolateral and ventromedial compartments of the middle ear. Ventral bulla ostectomy (VBO), performed alone or in combination with traction avulsion, was the most frequently applied surgical technique. No recurrence was observed in cats treated with VBO during the follow-up period.DiscussionFIAP may present as unilateral or bilateral disease and frequently exhibit multicompartmental involvement. Multimodal imaging plays a crucial role in accurate diagnosis and surgical planning. Imaging-guided, individualized surgical management, particularly VBO when indicated, appears to provide favorable clinical outcomes.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1755634</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1755634</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Cross-sectional atlas of the tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri) head, neck, and trunk: a comparison of micro-CT imaging and cadaveric sections]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Fangfang Chen</author><author>Yiwei Feng</author><author>Nan Shi</author><author>Pengcheng Zhao</author><author>Zongjian Huang</author><author>Yu Ren</author><author>Wei Xia</author><author>Anzhou Tang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionTree shrews are widely used as animal models in various research fields, however, a comprehensive cross-sectional anatomic reference for this species is currently lacking.MethodsIn this study, Conventional Micro-CT scanning (40 μm slice thickness) was performed on two healthy adult tree shrews to obtain head-neck-thorax-abdomen cross-sectional images. Upon completion of the CT session, the tree shrew was euthanized and transferred to a −20 °C freezer until completely frozen maintaining the same position the plastic support. Subsequently, the specimen was transversely sectioned from the tip of the nose to the anus at 5-mm intervals using an electric bone saw. The CT images were aligned with the frozen anatomical sections, and significant structures were identified and labeled with reference to the relevant literature.ResultsThis study provides an atlas of normal cross-sectional gross and CT anatomy of the tree shrew head, neck, thorax and abdomen, consisting of 18 anatomical slices and the corresponding CT images and the nomenclature list for each image.ConclusionsThis study provides an anatomic and Micro-CT atlas of the head, neck, thorax and abdomen of the tree shrew, which researchers can use as a reference for the interpretation of any cross-sectional imaging modality in tree shrews.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1706134</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2026.1706134</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Cerebral iron deposition in the Globus pallidus and Substantia nigra of aging dogs and cats presenting as bilateral hypointensity on T2w and iron-sensitive MRI sequences (SWI, T2*)]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Carolin Fischer</author><author>Sebastian Schaub</author><author>Svenja Susanne Erika Körber</author><author>Monika Isabel Hoppe</author><author>Kathrin Büttner</author><author>Martin Jürgen Schmidt</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionWith aging, dysregulation of brain iron homeostasis can lead to cerebral iron accumulation, a process associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and recognized as an imaging marker in humans. Similarly, MRI-detected cerebral iron accumulation has been reported in aging beagles, suggesting parallels with human findings.MethodsSingle-center, observational study that retrospectively and prospectively evaluated 236 client-owned animals (198 dogs, 38 cats) undergoing brain MRI between 2014 and 2024. Patients represented various breeds and ages; scans were performed at different field strengths, 1-3 Tesla (T), with each animal examined once at a single field strength. MRIs were evaluated for bilateral hypointensities in T2-weighted (T2w) and iron-sensitive imaging (SWI, T2*) in the Globus pallidus and Substantia nigra. In selected cases, iron deposition was validated via post-mortem iron-sensitive Perl’s staining of fixed brain tissues.ResultsLogistic regression analysis identified age as a significant predictor of improved visibility (OR = 1.21, p < 0.0001). Compared with 1T, 1.5T increased the odds of visibility by 2.78-fold (p = 0.0366), and 3T by 4.82-fold (p < 0.001). Species-specific analysis showed that, in cats, field strength had no significant effect (p = 0.1575), whereas age remained a significant predictor (p = 0.0192). Iron-sensitive sequences (SWI, T2*) provided superior visibility of iron deposits compared to T2w, particularly in dogs. No significant difference in hypointensity detection was observed between the two brain regions.DiscussionIn summary, age and MRI field strength significantly affect the visibility of cerebral iron deposits in dogs, whereas feline results require further investigation due to the limited sample size. SWI and T2* enhance iron detection compared to T2w, particularly in canines.]]></description>
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