Ultrasonographic intestinal muscularis thickening in dogs with histologically confirmed inflammatory bowel disease: 13 cases (2010–2021)

Ultrasonographic intestinal muscularis thickening has not been described as an imaging feature of canine inflammatory bowel disease. In this retrospective case series, patients were identified by searching sonographic reports for “muscularis” and/or “muscular layer.” Patients were included if small intestinal muscularis thickening was reported, and sonographic images and histopathological samples of the small intestine were available for review. Cases with small intestines nodules, masses, or complete loss of wall layering were excluded. Sonographic images were retrospectively evaluated for jejunal muscularis layer thickness, and ratios of intestinal layer measurements were performed. Histological samples were retrospectively reviewed. Thirteen dogs met inclusion criteria: all dogs had sonographic intestinal muscularis thickening relative to the submucosa (>1.0, range of 1.3–2.5), and most dogs had muscular layer thickness above normal published ranges (11/13; all 13/13 above the weight-specific mean). More than half of the patients had overall normal wall thickness (11/13) and several had normal mucosal echogenicity (6/13). Therefore, in some dogs, the only sonographic abnormality in the small intestine was muscularis thickening. No dogs had lymphadenomegaly. Endoscopic partial-thickness (n = 11, duodenum and/or ileum) or surgical full-thickness (n = 2) samples confirmed inflammatory bowel disease. Direct comparison between jejunum sonographic characteristics and histology features was limited due to both partial thickness biopsies and lack of direct comparison between anatomical locations of ultrasonographic assessment and biopsy site. However, no cases that met the inclusion criteria had normal small intestinal histology. Comparable to cats, dogs with ultrasonographic intestinal muscularis thickening may have inflammatory bowel disease, and further workup for enteropathy is indicated.     

Prenatal histomorphological development of the reticulum in fallow deer (Dama dama)

The histomorphological changes occurring in the Dama dama reticulum during prenatal development have been investigated. Twenty‐five Dama dama embryos were used, from the first stages of prenatal life until birth. Differentiation of the reticulum was observed at 23% gestation. By 25% gestation the reticular wall comprised three layers: an internal epithelial layer, a middle layer of pluripotential blastemic tissue and an external layer or serosa. Primary reticular crests were visible at 38% gestation. Secondary reticular crests were observed at 61% gestation. Neuroendocrine cells were detected by synaptophysin (SYP) at 35% gestation, in the lamina propria‐submucosa, tunica muscularis, and serosa. Epithelial Cytokeratin‐18 (CK‐18) cells were observed at 35% gestation extended throughout the epithelial layers. The glial cells (vimentin –VIM‐ and glial fibrillary acidic protein‐GFAP‐markers) were discerned at 25% and 43% gestation, respectively, in myenteric and submucosal plexuses, lamina propria, muscularis mucosae, tunica muscularis, and perivascular connective tissue. The neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) markers were immunodetected at 75% and 80 gestation, respectively, in the lamina propria‐submucosa, muscularis mucosae, tunica muscularis, serosa, and myenteric plexuses. The prenatal development of the fallow deer reticular mucosa evidenced a considerable precocity similar to that previously reported in goat and red deer.     

Ultrasonographic characterization of the feline cardia and pylorus in 34 healthy cats and three abnormal cats

A prospective study was performed in 34 fasted healthy cats to describe the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the cardia and pylorus. Measurements were obtained for the caudal esophageal wall thickness (Ew), cardia wall thickness (Cw), pyloric wall thickness (Pw), thickness of the pyloric muscularis (Mp), length of the thicker part of the proximal duodenal submucosa (Dl). Among the 34 cats, 24 were examined using a linear transducer, and 10 with a microconvex transducer. Ew and Cw could be measured in 70% of the cats when a linear transducer was used, in 100% of the cats when a microconvex probe was used, Pw and Mp could be measured in 100% of the cats whatever probe was used. The submucosa of the most proximal part of the duodenum was thicker in half of the cats in longitudinal section. The muscularis layer of the pylorus was triangular in longitudinal section and thicker than the muscularis of the proximal duodenum. The mean for Ew, Cw, Pw, Mp, and DI was 4.9 mm (SD = 1.1), 5 mm (SD = 0.6), 4.4 mm (SD = 0.6), 2.5 mm (SD = 0.5), and 4.7 mm (SD = 2.38), respectively. Three cats with abnormalities of the cardia and pylorus are also described to illustrate clinical implications.     

Morphometric study of the layers of the canine small intestine at five sampling sites

The histology of the canine intestine has not been accurately defined. To establish the precise thickness of its different layers, whole wall samples of the small intestine were removed from 41 cadavers at five standardised sampling sites (duodenum, proximal jejunum, distal jejunum, proximal ileum and distal ileum). The total thickness was estimated by morphometry, as was the thickness of the mucosa, muscularis mucosae, submucosa and muscularis externa. In addition, the size of the lymphoid aggregates in the submucosa and the thickness of the circular and longitudinal layers within both the muscularis mucosae and the muscularis externa were estimated. The total intestinal thickness depended very much upon the thickness of the mucosa and submucosa. The mucosa decreased progressively from proximal to distal parts of the small intestine (47% reduction). The thickness of the submucosa, however, changed little from the duodenum to the distal jejunum, but increased significantly in the ileum; this change was positively correlated with the amount of lymphoid tissue. Sex influenced the thickness of the intestinal wall, with males displaying higher thickness values along the small intestine. Conversely, no correlation between bodyweight and intestinal thickness was found for any of the five sampling sites. This study gives absolute and relative values for the thickness of the layers of the dog intestine which might help in the diagnosis of small intestinal pathology from postmortem samples and/or endoscopic biopsies.     

THE SONOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF INTESTINAL MUCOSAL FIBROSIS IN CATS

The medical records of 11 cats with full‐thickness intestinal biopsies and histopathologic confirmation of segmental mucosal fibrosis were reviewed. All cats received an abdominal ultrasonographic evaluation. The sonographic feature of a small intestinal mucosal hyperechoic band paralleling the submucosa was present in all cats. Other intestinal sonographic findings included wall thickening, and altered wall layering (increased mucosal echogenicity, thickened submucosa, and/or muscularis layer). None of the cats had complete loss of wall stratification. All cats had clinical signs related to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract at the time of presentation. Three of the 11 cats had palpably thickened small intestinal loops, 3/11 abdominal pain, and 2/11 abdominal fluid. Histopathologically, mucosal fibrosis was associated with inflammatory cell infiltrates in all cats. In those cats with histopathologic evidence of mural fibrosis, all cats had a visible hyperechoic band through several intestinal segments. We speculate that the hyperechoic mucosal band represents the zone of mucosal fibrosis. Independently and prospectively, we reviewed the clinical presentation of 35 cats having this visible hyperechoic mucosal band on ultrasound. Twenty‐four of these 35 cats had clinical signs related to the digestive system at the time of record. Our study suggests that the hyperechoic mucosal band represents fibrosis, and in presence of concurrent GI signs, further diagnostic tests may be warranted.     

REPEATABILITY AND REPRODUCIBILITY OF TRANSABDOMINAL ULTRASONOGRAPHIC INTESTINAL WALL THICKNESS MEASUREMENTS IN THOROUGHBRED HORSES

The aims of this study were to assess the repeatability and reproducibility of transabdominal ultrasonography to assess intestinal wall thickness in adult Thoroughbred horses (n=8). Ultrasonographic cineloops were captured by one examiner from each horse for five consecutive days. During each examination at least three cineloops were obtained for five different intestinal tract locations. Measurements were performed by three separate observers to assess reproducibility and measured on three separate occasions by three observers to evaluate short‐term repeatability. The repeatability of measurements from the duodenum (0.3 ± 0.04 cm), jejunum (0.29 ± 0.05 cm), ventral colon (0.37 ± 0.01 cm), and cecum (0.42 ± 0.03 cm) were good ( P >0.291). The reproducibility of measurements from the duodenum, jejunum, and ventral colon were good ( P >0.394). Reproducibility of measurement of the cecal wall was inadequate ( P =0.01), although the maximum difference between observers was 0.07 cm. It was possible to image all areas on all days, with the exception of the duodenum, which could not be imaged in one horse, on 1 day. Equine intestinal wall measurements are therefore repeatable and reproducible with the exception of reproducibility of the measurements of cecal wall. Although an accepted clinical technique, measurement of cecal wall thickness from intestinal ultrasound images in a clinical setting must be interpreted with care.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF THE NORMAL CANINE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

The normal sonographic appearance of stomach, small bowel, and colon was determined in normal dogs of small, medium, and large breeds. In all dogs studied, the stomach wall ranged from 3 mm to 5 mm in thickness, and the small and large bowel wall ranged from 2 mm to 3 mm in thickness. Peristalsis was routinely observed in the stomach and small bowel, but not in the colon. Ultrasonic identification of five gastrointestinal wall layers corresponding to the mucosal surface, mucosa, submucosa, muscularis propria, and subserosa/serosa was possible. Specific segments of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract were isolated and scanned in a water bath. In one dog, ultrasonic and histologic findings were compared and confirmed the anatomical identification found with ultrasound. Similarities and differences between the ultrasonic appearance of the GI tract of humans and small animals are discussed.     

秦岭细鳞鲑消化系统的形态学观察

运用大体解剖和常规组织学方法对秦岭细鳞鲑消化系统的组织形态进行了系统观察。结果表明,秦岭细鳞鲑的消化道由口咽腔、食道、胃和肠等4部分组成,除口咽腔外,管壁由内向外分为黏膜、黏膜下层、肌层和浆膜。口咽腔宽大,上颌、犁骨及腭骨等处布有细齿,黏膜衬以复层扁平上皮,间有较多的黏液细胞和少量的杯状细胞及味蕾;食管粗而短,黏膜向管腔突出形成多个纵行皱襞,上皮由复层扁平上皮逐渐向单层柱状过渡,上皮细胞间可见到数量较多的粘液细胞和杯状细胞,食管腺不发达;胃体积较大,呈“U”形,包括贲门部、胃体和幽门部,胃体部小凹及胃底腺结构明显,肌层发达;胃与肠相接处有63-65个幽门盲囊,肠道粗短而略微盘曲,黏膜上皮为单层柱状,未见明显的肠腺。以上结果显示,秦岭细鳞鲑消化道组织结构与其肉食性功能密切相关。肝小叶界限不清;双列肝细胞围绕中央静脉呈放射状走行,肝细胞个体大、呈多边形,核呈圆形或卵圆形,1-2个。胰脏大部分环绕前肠边缘、呈细长条索状,另可见分散于幽门盲囊及胃周围的弥散部分;其外分泌部为管泡状腺,腺细胞呈锥体形,胰岛结构明显。     

Evaluation of agreement between two instruments in measurements of radiation dose rates in cats that underwent iodine I 131 treatment

OBJECTIVE: To assess agreement between a commercially available Geiger-Meuller (GM) survey meter and millirem tissue-equivalent (TE) meter for measuring radioactivity in cats treated with sodium iodine I 131 ((131)I). ANIMALS: 15 cats with hyperthyroidism and undergoing (131)I treatment. PROCEDURES: Duplicate measurements were obtained at a distance of 30 cm from the thyroid region of each cat's neck by 2 observers who used both meters on day 3 or 5 after(131)I administration. Comparisons of measurements between meters and observers were made, with limits of agreement defined as the mean difference +/- 2 SDs of the differences. RESULTS: For observer 1, the mean of the differences in the 2 meters' measurements in all cats was 0.012 mSv/h (SD, 0.011 mSv/h). For observer 2, the mean of the differences in measurements was 0.012 mSv/h (SD, 0.010 mSv/h). For the GM meter, the mean of the differences of the 2 observers for all cats was 0.003 mSv/h (SD, 0.011 mSv/h). For the TE meter, the mean of the differences of the 2 observers for all cats was 0.003 mSv/h (SD, 0.007 mSv/h). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicate that there was considerable agreement between meters and observers in measurements of radioactivity in cats treated with (131)I. Measurements obtained by use of the GM meter may be approximately 0.01 mSv/h less than or 0.03 mSv/h higher than those obtained with the TE meter. If this range is acceptable for an institution's release criteria, the 2 meters should be considered interchangeable and acceptable for clinical use.     

马冈鹅肠胚后发育的组织学观察

将72只5~110d马冈鹅(各半)按不同日龄随机分为9组,先后取十二指肠、空肠、回肠和直肠,应用常规组织学技术和Tiger细胞图像分析系统进行观测。结果表明:各部肠管管壁分粘膜、肌层和浆膜三层,无粘膜下层;绒毛既有分支,也有融合现象;肠腺主要是单管状腺,但也有分支管状腺;粘膜上皮中柱状细胞从前向后逐渐减少,而杯状细胞则相应逐渐增多;肠腺中的柱状细胞则由前向后逐渐增多,杯状细胞相应减少;肌层分内纵、中环、外纵三层,内、外两肌层厚度近似,中环肌最厚,内有明显的结缔组织间隔带分布,小肠段呈有规律的"竹节"状;粘膜皱襞不发达,少数皱襞由粘膜、内纵和中环肌层共同构成;肠壁内淋巴组织丰富,在肌层之间及肌层内均可见淋巴小结,肌层内也有神经丛和神经纤维束的断面;绒毛高度发育的绝对生长高峰期在26d以前,但绒毛直径的发育无明显的阶段性。     

DUODENAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE NORMAL ADULT HORSE

Ultrasonography was used to evaluate the duodenum of 6 clinically normal horses. Examinations were performed in horses which each, alternatively, received diets of; 1) concentrates and hay, 2) hay only, or 3) after 36 hours of starvation. The duodenum was constantly visualized just ventral to the right kidney at the 16th and 17th intercostal spaces on a line joining the olecranon and tuber sacrale. Cranial to the 16th intercostal space visibility depended on thickness of interposing liver and lung field interference. Duodenal distensions, contractions and content are described. Starved horses had fewer contractions and distensions than horses on hay, or hay and concentrate diets but the difference was not significant. Duodenal wall thickness ranged from 3–4 mm. Ultrasonographically five layers, corresponding to the mucosal surface, mucosa, submucosa, muscularis propria and serosa, could be identified. A necropsy specimen of the duodenum was evaluated histologically and Ultrasonographically in a water bath for comparison.     

Effects of inter- and intra-observer variability on echocardiographic measurements in awake cats

The objective of this study was to determine intra- and inter-observer variability of echocardiographic measurements in awake cats. Four observers with different levels of experience in echocardiography performed 96 echocardiographic examinations in four cats on four different days over a 3-week period. The examinations were randomized and blinded. The maximum within-day and between-day CV values were 17.4 and 18.5% for inter-ventricular septal thickness in diastole, 18.7 and 22.6% for left ventricular free-wall thickness in diastole, 9.8 and 14.9% for left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, 20.8 and 15.2% for left ventricular end-systolic diameter, and 21.2 and 18.4% for left ventricular shortening fraction. The maximum within-day CV values were most often associated with the least competent observer (i.e. the graduate student) and, the minimum CV values with the most competent observer (i.e. the associate professor in cardiology). A significant interaction between cat and observer was also evidenced. Thus, the most competent observer could not be replaced by any of the other observers.     

成年牦牛小肠结构及黏膜免疫相关细胞数量变化研究

为了揭示成年牦牛小肠结构和黏膜免疫相关细胞的分布与数量变化的规律,本研究采用组织化学法、图像分析法及透射电镜技术,对成年牦牛小肠形态结构及上皮内淋巴细胞、杯状细胞、浆细胞和肥大细胞数量的变化进行了研究.结果表明:牦牛小肠壁由黏膜层、黏膜下层、肌层和浆膜构成.小肠中十二指肠绒毛高度/隐窝深度的比值最高、肌层最厚;空肠绒毛最高、隐窝最深;3段小肠绒毛高度、隐窝深度、绒毛高度/隐窝深度的比值和肌层厚度之间差异极显著(P＜0.01).牦牛小肠上皮内淋巴细胞数量由十二指肠向空肠、回肠逐渐减少,且差异极显著(P＜0.01),杯状细胞和肥大细胞数量也逐渐减少,而浆细胞数量则由十二指肠到回肠逐渐递增,且差异极显著(P＜0.01).电镜观察表明,牦牛小肠绒毛上皮细胞连接为紧密连接、缝隙连接和半桥连接,细胞游离面微绒毛丰富;上皮内淋巴细胞核大、胞质较少;杯状细胞呈典型高脚杯状,细胞顶端含有大量的分泌颗粒而膨大;浆细胞呈圆形或椭圆形,染色质沿核膜排列,胞质中有丰富的内质网;肥大细胞呈椭圆形,胞质内充满电子密度极强的大小不等的膜包颗粒.成年牦牛小肠结构特点能大大地提高了对高寒草地牧草的消化和吸收效率;而小肠各段有规律的分布了丰富的黏膜免疫相关细胞,显示牦牛小肠黏膜具有很强的黏膜免疫屏障功能.     

REPEATABILITY AND RELIABILITY OF GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE DETERMINATION VIA GAMMA CAMERA UPTAKE OF TC‐99M‐DTPA IN CATS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) via gamma camera uptake of 99mTc‐diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid is a standard method for quantifying renal function. Aims of this retrospective, observer agreement study were to determine intra‐ and interobserver variation in GFR values for cats with chronic kidney disease and to determine whether renal insufficiency classification changed between observers. Guideline cut‐points were established for the difference in repeated GFRs to differentiate changes caused by therapeutic effect vs. inherent variation. Included cats had a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease and had undergone GFR examinations between the years of 2010 and 2013. Twenty‐nine GFR studies were sampled. Each study was read twice, 6 months apart, by two veterinary radiologists and one radiology resident. Modified Bland–Altman plots were used to investigate differences between readings 1 and 2 by observer and between pairs of observers by reading. Reliability of clinical classification was assessed through comparisons between readings and observers. Measurements were not systematically different between readings for the experienced observers but were higher in reading 1 than reading 2 for the inexperienced observer. Measurements were not systematically different between the experienced observers in reading 1 or between any two observers in reading 2. Reliability for GFR measurements was high among experienced observers; variations in GFR measurements rarely led to differences in clinical classification. Results suggested that, for experienced observers, changes in GFR values following treatment in cats with chronic kidney disease between ?0.4 and 0.4 mL/min/kg may be due to inherent variability rather than treatment effect.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF INTESTINAL MAST CELL TUMORS IN THE CAT

The sonographic features of intestinal mast cell tumors (MCT) were reviewed in 14 cats. The mean age was 13.4 ± 2.5 years. There were 16 focal intestinal tumors and one diffuse submucosal infiltrate. The most common pattern was focal, hypoechoic wall thickening that was noncircumferential and eccentric (9/16 tumors) or circumferential, asymmetric, and eccentric (5/16 tumors). Nine of the cats had lesions in the jejunum or duodenum, four were at the ileocecocolic junction, and one cat had a colonic mass. Six MCTs had altered but not loss of wall layering, and the most commonly affected layer on ultrasound examination was the muscularis propria. Nine cats had enlarged abdominal lymph nodes, and seven were due to metastatic disease. Metastatic disease was not routinely detected by ultrasound in the liver (1/4 cats) or the spleen (0/3 cats). Concurrent small cell (T cell) lymphoma was present in four of 14 cats (29%).     

EX VIVO CORRELATION OF ULTRASONOGRAPHIC SMALL INTESTINAL WALL LAYERING WITH HISTOLOGY IN DOGS

Canine ultrasonographic intestinal layers have been reported to correlate with histological layering. However, discrepancies have been reported in people, and additional layers visualized. The aim of this method comparison study was to describe ex vivo canine small intestinal layering and correlate it with histology. Small intestinal samples of 12 adult dogs euthanized for reasons unrelated to gastrointestinal disease were resected immediately following euthanasia, pinned on a Petri dish, and transverse ultrasonographic images acquired in a water bath, using a high‐frequency linear transducer. Transverse histological sections were obtained at the same level. Measurements of the intestinal layers were performed on the ultrasonographic and histological images. No significant statistical differences were noted between the ultrasonographic and histological measurements and strong to very strong (r > 0.7) positive correlation was observed for all layers, except for the serosa, which had a low moderate positive correlation (r = 0.479). In addition to the five established layers, a dual mucosal echogenicity was consistently observed, with seven samples presenting an additional inner mucosal severe hyperechogenicity. Histologically, this dual echogenicity was attributed to the intestinal villi (mildly echogenic) and lamina propria (hypoechoic). The additional inner mucosal severe hyperechogenicity observed in seven samples was attributed to mild‐to‐moderate lacteal dilation histologically. In 4/12 ileal samples, an additional hyperechoic mucosal line was also observed parallel to the submucosa, corresponding histologically to prominent Peyer's patches. Finally, a hyperechoic line was observed within the muscularis of all samples, corresponding histologically to the interface between the muscularis longitudinal and circular layers .     

Functional suture-holding layer of the esophagus in the dog

Several investigators have stated that the suture-holding layer of the esophagus is the mucosa. In this study, the component layers of the esophagus were separated. Segments of the cervical esophageal wall, muscularis, submucosa, and submucosa-mucosa were each sutured, and the suture lines were subjected to tensile forces. When subjected to tensile force, all suture lines failed when sutures pulled through the tissue. The data were subjected to statistical analysis. Based on this analysis, it was concluded that the full esophageal wall had the greatest ability, and the muscularis the least ability, to hold sutures against tension. Therefore, when no significant difference in suture-holding ability between the submucosa alone and the submucosa-mucosa together was demonstrated, it was concluded that the submucosa was the suture-holding layer of the esophagus.     

Experimental infection of domestic swine with Baylisascaris procyonis from raccoons

Six 8-week-old ascarid-naive pigs which were experimentally infected with 72,000 embryonated Baylisascaris procyonis eggs of raccoon origin developed lesions limited to the intestines and liver. Intestinal lesions consisted of multifocal areas of inflammation by macrophages, eosinophils, and lymphocytes in the mucosa and submucosa, in association with Baylisascaris larvae; similar lesions were seen in the mesenteric lymph nodes. Typical white, granulation type, multifocal interstitial hepatitis ("milk-spots"), 1 to 5 mm in diameter, were seen in the livers by 7 days, with resolution by 47 days. Microscopically, these consisted of multifocal areas of marked periportal and interlobular edema, and influx of eosinophils, and large intralobular aggregates of eosinophils. At 47 days, hundreds to thousands of small white granulomas were seen on the serosa of the intestines; microscopically, they were discrete collections of macrophages, lymphocytes, and eosinophils in the submucosa and muscle layers surrounding nonviable remnants of Baylisascaris larvae. Larvae or lesions were not seen in other tissues, including the brain. These experiments indicated that B procyonis will undergo limited migration in swine and can produce typical white spots in the liver. The larvae were killed by cellular reactions in the intestinal wall and liver, and, unlike the situation in most other animals infected with this parasite, no somatic migration or CNS disease occurred after infection.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC AND PATHOLOGIC FEATURES OF INTESTINAL SMOOTH MUSCLE HYPERTROPHY IN FOUR CATS

The ultrasonographic findings for four cats with intestinal smooth muscle hypertrophy are described. In two cats, intestinal smooth muscle hypertrophy was associated with chronic enteritis. In the remaining two cats, intestinal smooth muscle hypertrophy affected the intestinal tract proximal to stenosis due to alimentary lymphoma and an intestinal foreign body, respectively. Moderate increased thickness of the affected intestinal wall, measuring 7-8 mm, was evident on abdominal ultrasonographic examination of all subjects. In addition, the ultrasonographic five-layered feature of the intestinal wall was maintained, and only the muscular layer appeared thickened. Abdominal ultrasound allowed a presumptive diagnosis of intestinal smooth muscle hypertrophy that was confirmed histologically in all cats.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF FELINE ALIMENTARY LYMPHOMA

Abdominal ultrasonography was performed in seven cats with intestinal lymphoma and four cats with gastric lymphoma. Ultrasonographic abnormalities included the presence of a hypoechoic mass associated with the gastrointestinal tract, focal or diffuse thickening of the gastric wall, symmetric thickening of the bowel wall, loss of the normal layered appearance of the gastrointestinal wall, and abdominal lymphadenopathy. The thickness of the stomach wall ranged from 8 to 22 mm in cats with gastric lymphoma, and the thickness of the bowel wall ranged from 5 to 20 mm in cats with intestinal lymphoma. Fine needle aspiration of a gastrointestinal lesion was performed without complication in six cats, and was diagnostic for lymphoma in five out of six. Results of this study indicate that ultrasonography is an effective noninvasive means of identifying lesions consistent with alimentary lymphoma in cats.