Imaging diagnostics refers to all diagnostic procedures that use diagnostic devices to generate two- or even three-dimensional images of the inside of the body. These images can be used to detect disease-related changes, among other things.
Imaging techniques differ in the way images are produced and are used in a wide variety of areas in veterinary medicine. The most common imaging techniques are as follows:
The air sacs of horses are part of the upper respiratory tract. They develop in foals as a mucous membrane protrusion on both sides of the Eustachian tube (the connection between the middle ear and the nasopharyngeal cavity), each with a capacity of approximately 300 ml. Air sacs are found exclusively in equines and some other odd-toed ungulates, making them a unique feature. There are various theories about the function of the air sacs. The most likely is that they serve to cool the brain. There is a connection between the horse's throat and the air sacs, which is why infections of the upper respiratory tract can also spread to the air sacs. The most important diseases of the air sacs are described below.
Sticker's sarcoma is an infectious tumor of the external genital organs of male and female dogs. It is also known as transmissible venereal tumor or venereal sarcomatosis. The disease occurs worldwide, but is primarily found in tropical and subtropical countries (Mediterranean region, Africa, Eastern Europe, South America) where there is a large population of stray dogs.
Botulism is a serious neurological disease caused by the ingestion of botulinum toxin (a poison) from contaminated feed. Even the smallest amounts of this toxin can cause severe poisoning in horses, leading to death.
Spondylosis is a condition characterized by deformation of the spine. It involves the formation of bony growths resembling spurs or bridges on the underside, sides, or, rarely, the top of the vertebral bodies. It primarily affects large, heavy dog breeds such as the German Boxer, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, St. Bernard, and Retriever, as well as dogs with long backs, such as the Dachshund. However, the condition can also occur in all other dog breeds.
The topic of deworming is a recurring discussion among horse owners. For anyone wondering whether it’s even necessary to deworm their horse, the answer is: Yes! Anyone who has ever witnessed, during colic surgery, how vast numbers of worms can completely block sections of the small or large intestine will never ask that question again. Without treatment, a worm infestation can become a life-threatening danger to your horse. Initially, noticeably frequent rubbing of the tail root is a sign of this. As the condition progresses, internal organs can be damaged and colic can occur. Your horse loses weight despite adequate feeding. The parasites weaken it more and more. Regular deworming is necessary to reduce the infestation to a level that your horse’s body can tolerate. It is nearly impossible to achieve complete freedom from worms, as new infections occur repeatedly due to the environment. When it comes to deworming, there are two methods: strategic and selective deworming. You should avoid alternative deworming methods.
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease that primarily affects cats. Humans are considered intermediate hosts, though they usually do not exhibit any clinical symptoms. However, a primary infection during pregnancy is truly dangerous. It can lead to severe fetal malformations and miscarriages.
This adrenal gland disorder, also known as Addison's disease, was first described in humans in 1855 by Thomas Addison (chief physician at a London hospital), after whom it was named. It causes adrenal insufficiency (also known as hypoadrenocorticism), which is the partial or total failure of hormone production in the adrenal cortex. It is much less common in dogs than adrenal hyperfunction (Cushing's disease), but can lead to life-threatening symptoms. It primarily affects middle-aged female dogs of large breeds.
Cryptorchidism refers to the failure of the testicles to descend from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum. Small male dogs are most commonly affected by cryptorchidism.
Every rider knows this feeling. The horse is somehow stiff, tense, and no longer moves smoothly. However, it is not lame, just less supple. When you touch different points on its back, neck, or hindquarters, the skin and tissue feel tight, too tight. This may be because the horse's muscles are tense. However, it is often due to the connective tissue, the fascia. When it is stuck together, tension arises.
Megaesophagus (mega = large; esophagus = food pipe) describes a pathological enlargement of the esophagus. In the case of megaesophagus, the esophagus is not contracted by the muscles as usual, but is abnormally dilated and filled with air as a result of muscle paralysis.
An interesting question: Where is it better for a dog to live? In the city or in the country? There are good arguments for both.
Horse owners are probably more familiar with phlegmon under the colloquial term "shooter." It is a purulent inflammation of the connective tissue and lymph vessels of the subcutaneous tissue, which occurs primarily on the limbs and can lead to massive swelling and pain.
