B- mode ultrasonographic biometry of cataractous eyes in dogs

Cataract is one of the main reasons interfering with examination of the eye in many species of animals. As the opaque lens obscures visualization of the posterior segment of the eye, evaluation of the structures in the posterior segment becomes impossible. B-mode ultrasonography of the eye plays a major role in such conditions to evaluate the posterior segment and to evaluate the biometry of the intraocular structures. In the current study, dogs with cataracts of various stages were subjected to ocular ultrasonographic evaluation and biometry of ocular structures. Biometry for ocular parameters like axial length of the eye (D1), vitreous chamber depth (D2), lens diameter (D3) and lens depth (D4) were recorded in all the dogs with cataractous lens. The ultrasonographic appearance of the lens varied in echogenicity with the stage of the cataract. The changes in the cortex and nucleus part of the lens were also imaged and recorded. B-mode ultrasonography was useful in ruling out structural pathologies related to the vitreous and retina prior to cataract surgery

Ultrasonography Evaluation of Umbilical Structures in Clinically Healthy Donkey Foals during the First Week of Life

The umbilicus is a potential access-point for pathogens in equine foal, causing umbilical infections and potentially life-threating illness. Early diagnosis based on ultrasonographic appearance and measurement is crucial to avoid severe complications and promptly implement appropriate therapy. This study ultrasonographically evaluates the umbilical remnants of donkey foals, in the first week of life. Fifteen healthy donkey foals were included in the study. The umbilical vein, arteries and urachus ultrasounds were performed at 24 h, 3 and 7 days of life, using a portable ultrasound machine and a 5–7.5 MHz multifrequency linear probe. The Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn’s multiple comparisons test were applied to verify differences in relation to time for all the umbilical remnants measured. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. No statistical differences were observed in relation to time regarding umbilical remnant measurements. A correlation was found between body weight and the left artery at T0. The regression of the umbilical remnant during the first week of life was slower compared with what was reported in equine foals but was comparable with the results on calves. Thus, the different regression timing needs be considered when evaluating donkey foals with umbilical remnant diseases within the first week of life.

Ultrasonography of kidney and spleen in clinically healthy llamas and alpacas

Background The ultrasonographic examination technique is a well-established, non-invasive diagnostic tool for diverse conditions in humans and different animal species. The purpose of our study was to describe ultrasonographic localisation, sonographic appearance and dimensions of the kidneys and spleen of clinically healthy llamas and alpacas. Differences between llamas and alpacas and the influence of sex and ages were investigated. Results of this study may aid veterinarians performing ultrasonography in diseased animals and the technique can be used for routine protocol screening. Results Ultrasonography was performed in 135 clinically healthy, non-sedated llamas and alpacas. Screening was performed with a 6.6 MHz curve linear transducer with only alcohol as contact medium between the probe and unclipped skin. The kidneys could be imaged from the paralumbar region. The right kidney only was visualized when scanning from the right and the left kidney only from the left. While the left kidney appeared in sagittal view as an oval shape in most llamas and alpacas, in one third of animals the left kidney had a triangular shape. The L-shaped base of the spleen, with its homogeneous, echoic pattern, could be seen craniolateral to the left kidney. Anechoic areas displaying vessels inside the spleen and a thin echoic capsule surrounding the splenic tissue could be differentiated. While sonographic appearances of the examined organs showed no differences between llamas and alpacas, selected dimensions of both of kidney and spleen showed significant differences between species. In terms of age and sex, significant differences in respect of kidney size could be found only in alpacas. Sex seemed to have no influence on kidney and spleen sizes in llamas. Conclusions The present study provides species-specific information on ultrasonographic appearance and reference values for kidney and spleen dimensions of clinically healthy llamas and alpacas. Results show differences in organ sizes between llamas and alpacas and in alpacas of different sex and age. The results of this study can be used as references for veterinarians performing ultrasound examinations in diseased animals.

Correlation between calcium, water contents and ultrasonographic appearance of atherosclerotic lesions of carotid artery lesions

BackgroundWe tested the hypothesis whether there is a correlation between the echogenicity and calcium and water contents of carotid plaques.Patients and methodsNinety carotid befurcations from 45 deceased patients were removed during autopsy. Thirty-four plaques were categorized as homogenous echolucent (HEL), homogenous echogenic (HEG) and heterogenous (HE) plaques based on premortem B-mode image. Water content was expressed in % of wet weight. Ca was determined by proton-induced X-ray emission and expressed in ppm. Relative optical density of the B-mode images was analyzed offline using a computer program.ResultsHEL plaques had lower Ca content (medians and IQRs: 6,145 [4,465–6,536 ppm]) compared to HEG (74,100 [15,300–1,44,500−ppm]), P ≤ 0.001). HE plaques showed an intermediate calcium content (7,310 [4,840–9,920 ppm]) that was statistically not different from echolucent plaques. Water content of HEG plaques was statistically not different from HEL and HE (HEG:53.5 [35.5–64%], HEL: 73.5 [69.7–78.5%], HE: 70.6 [67.4–73.9%]). HEG plaques had the highest relative optical densities (196 [188–217%]). HEL and HE had similar relative optical densities (HEL: 176 [164–187%], HE: 164 [144–188%], respectively). A significant positive correlation was found between the Ca content and relative optical density of plaques.ConclusionsEchogenicity of carotid plaques increases along with their calcium content. Water content may be an important factor in differentiation of different plaques.

Ultrasonography of Normal Adrenal Glands in Adult Holstein–Friesian Cows: A Pilot Study

Ultrasonographic reference values for the adrenal glands of cattle have not been reported to date. Adrenal glands can be affected by different pathologies, such as hyperplasia, neoplasia and atrophy (either primary or secondary). The present findings indicate that the right adrenal gland can be easily characterized by transabdominal ultrasound in adult Holstein–Friesian cows, with no apparent influence of age or weight. The right adrenal gland (mean length 3.86 ± 1.39 cm; and mean thickness 1.39 ± 0.26 cm) was consistently and mainly located in the 12th intercostal space. The left adrenal gland was more difficult to locate due to its more medial position, and to the presence of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, so it could not be visualized in most animals (18/25). Its mean length was 3.72 ± 0.95 cm, and mean thickness was 1.36 ± 0.33 cm, in the sagittal section. This is the first report of the ultrasonographic appearance of the adrenal glands of cows and of the corresponding reference preliminary values.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of cholecystoduodenostomy sites in six cats

Case series summary This case series describes the postoperative ultrasonographic findings in six cats that underwent a cholecystoduodenostomy as treatment for extrahepatic biliary obstruction. The surgery site was identified in all six cats, most often within the right cranial abdomen as a thick-walled gall bladder, with a broad-based connection to the descending duodenum. Postoperatively, the biliary tree often remained distended, similar to its preoperative appearance. Recurrent extrahepatic biliary obstruction was suspected in three cats with worsening hyperbilirubinemia. Common bile duct distension was progressive in one of these cats and unchanged in another, but improved in the third. Intrahepatic bile duct distension resolved in one cat following surgery but reappeared with suspected recurrent biliary obstruction. In two cats, progressive echogenic biliary contents were associated with locally aggressive cholangiocarcinoma. Our findings suggest that in cats with cholecystoduodenostomy and progressive increases in hyperbilirubinemia following surgery, progressive or recurrent biliary distension and/or progressive echogenic biliary contents should prompt further investigation. Relevance and novel information Biliary diversion surgery in cats is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The ultrasonographic appearance of a postoperative cholecystoduodenostomy site has not been described, making differentiation of the expected appearance from postoperative abnormalities difficult. The goal of this study was to determine the expected ultrasonographic appearance, in order to assist in managing cats with recurrent, persistent or worsening clinical signs and biochemical abnormalities following surgery.