Ultrasonographic examination of the liver in cows

The size of the liver, as well as the situation and diameter of vessels in cattle were determined by use of ultrasonography. Ultrasonographic examinations of the liver were performed on 10 cows 10 times within 2 weeks, using a 3.5-MHz linear transducer on the right side in the 12th, 11th, and 10th intercostal spaces. Dorsal and ventral margin of the liver as well as localization and diameter of the caudal vena cava and the portal vein were determined in each intercostal space. Furthermore, the angle of the liver in the ventral area between the visceral surface and the diaphragmatic surface, the dorsal margin, and the circumference of the gall bladder were determined. The ultrasonographic values of liver size and localization in healthy cows can be used as reference values for the diagnosis of changes in liver size attributable to illness.     

Ultrasonographic anatomy of the bovine eye.

The purposes of the study were to describe the ultrasonographic appearance and measurements of the normal bovine eye, to compare the measurements to those reported previously for cadaveric eyes and to describe differences between ocular dimensions of Holstein Friesian and Jersey cattle. Sixty transpalpebral ocular ultrasonographic examinations were performed on 30 adult Holstein Friesian cows, and 16 examinations were performed on 8 adult Jersey cows. Transpalpebral ultrasonographic images were obtained with a 10 MHz linear transducer in both horizontal and vertical imaging planes. The ultrasonographic appearance of structures within the bovine eye is similar to that in other species, although the ciliary artery was frequently identified, appearing as a 0.33 +/- 0.04 cm diameter hypoechoic area. The axial length of the globe was significantly greater in Holstein Friesian cattle (3.46 +/- 0.09 cm) compared with Jersey cattle (3.27 +/- 0.19 cm; P = 0.001), although the vitreous depth was smaller in Holstein Friesian cattle (1.46 +/- 0.09 cm) (P = 0.0009). The anterioposterior depth of the lens was significantly greater in Jersey cattle (1.92 +/- 0.11 cm) and the cornea was thinner in Jersey cattle (0.17 +/- 0.02 cm). The appearance and ocular distances for live animals were similar to those reported previously for cadaveric specimens. The knowledge of normal ocular dimensions facilitates the use of ultrasonography in the evaluation of ocular disease in cattle.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the liver in sheep.

The purpose of the study reported here was to get detailed information about the normal size and texture of the liver in sheep by means of ultrasonographic examinations. Structure, location, and shape of the liver, gallbladder, portal vein, and caudal vena cava were examined ultrasonographically in 100 sheep. Furthermore, 10 sheep were scanned 10 times within 2 weeks to determine reproducibility of findings. Examinations were performed on the right side of the abdomen in the seventh through twelfth intercostal spaces. In each intercostal space, the dimensions of the liver, and, if visible, the location and diameter of the caudal vena cava and portal vein were determined. The angle of the liver, and location and size of the gallbladder also were determined. Ultrasonographic measurements of liver size and location in healthy sheep can be used as references for changes in liver size attributable to illness.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the spleen in 30 goats

The ultrasonographic appearance, location and size of the spleen in 30 healthy female Saanen goats are described. The intercostal spaces of the left thoracic wall were scanned with a 5.0 MHz linear transducer in standing goats. The appearance of the splenic parenchyma, the position of the ultrasonographically visible dorsal and ventral margins of the spleen and the distance between them, the thickness of the spleen and the diameter of the splenic vessels were determined. The spleen could be visualised in at least one examination position and it always lay between the rumen and abdominal wall. The spleen bordered the lung dorsally and was located adjacent to the left abdominal wall in the last intercostal space and area immediately caudal to the last rib. The spleen had an echogenic capsule, and its parenchyma showed a homogenous fine echotexture / echo pattern throughout the whole visible part of the spleen. The splenic vessels were seen within the parenchyma. The visible dorsal margin of the spleen ran from cranioventral to caudodorsal. The distance from the dorsal margin of the spleen to the midline of the back was greatest in the 8th intercostal space (19.7 ± 4.19 cm) and smallest in the region immediately caudal to the last rib (7.0 ± 1.07 cm). The size of the spleen was smallest in the 8th intercostal space (3.1 ± 1.24 cm) and greatest in the 11th intercostal space (8.7 ± 2.78 cm). The thickness of the spleen ranged from 2.2 ± 1.14 cm caudal to the last rib to 6.4 ± 1.78 cm in the 11th intercostal space.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the musculoskeletal system in cattle

Ultrasound machines with 7.5 to 5.0MHz linear transducers are well suited for rapid and straightforward differentiation of soft tissue swelling in the musculoskeletal system of cattle; in proximal limb regions 3.5MHz convex scanners allow better imaging. The main indications for ultrasonography of the musculoskeletal system in cattle are suspected arthritis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, abscesses, haematomas, diagnosis of muscle and tendon lesions, and generally the evaluation of soft tissue swellings everywhere that cannot be diagnosed based on clinical examination. The examiner starts by obtaining a general overview of the affected region for orientation purposes. This is achieved by locating and identifying anatomical landmarks, thereafter one can search for pathological changes by examination of the region of interest in longitudinal and transverse planes from all sides. The ultrasonographic investigation should follow a standardised systematic protocol. Normal synovial cavities in cattle are difficult or impossible to visualize via ultrasonography because of the very small physiological amount of synovial fluid. Thus, effusion that is easily visualized usually indicates a pathological process like arthritis, tenosynovitis or bursitis. Ultrasonography provides accurate information about the location and size of lesions or fluid-filled cavities, the nature of the content and an exact measurement of the distance from pathologically altered structures to the skin surface. Targeted centesis of synovial or other cavities can be carried out after a preliminary ultrasonographic inspection. Characterization of the lesions and a thorough preoperative inspection of affected regions are of enormous benefit for planning surgery and treatment.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the distal limb of cattle.

Ultrasonography has proven its worth in both small animal and equine musculoskeletal work. It allows visualization of soft tissue that is not possible with anything barring magnetic resonance imaging. In bovine practice, ultrasound has been used to great effect in reproductive work and has also shown itself to be of value in the evaluation of the thorax, abdomen, and the udder. Ultrasound examination of the bovine limb is certainly feasible because of the availability of small portable and affordable equipment. The restraint necessary is dependent on the animal. Cattle, because of their size and inherent dislike of restraint, pose a challenge for ultrasonographic examination. However, if proper restraint is used, it seems possible that ultrasonography may become a helpful tool in the evaluation of soft tissue injuries. It should prove to provide valuable information that may be used to offer better advice with regard to treatment and prognosis.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the carpal region in cattle--normal appearance

The carpal region was examined ultrasonographically in 18 healthy cattle (14 cows, 4 bull calves) and five bovine cadavers in order to determine the normal appearance of the carpal soft tissues using 7.5 MHz linear transducers.The course of the echogenic flexor and extensor tendons over the carpus and the joint spaces interposed between the articular bone surfaces were successfully imaged in all carpi. The palmar vessels were easily visualized in live animals. The lumina of carpal tendon sheaths and the boundaries of the carpal joint pouches could not be defined. Small anechoic fluid filled areas were visualized only at the level of the joint spaces. After experimental filling, the distended synovial cavities were imaged as well demarcated anechoic areas. The cross-sectional diameters of the extensor tendons, width of the palmar joint pouches and intraluminal diameters of the palmar vessels were measured.The results presented serve as reference data for ultrasonographic investigation of disorders of the bovine carpus.     

Ultrasonographic appearance of the bovine uterus during the estrous cycle

The uteri of 22 Holstein heifers were monitored during 58 interovulatory intervals by transrectal ultrasonographic imaging. The ultrasonographic appearance of the uterus was influenced by the stage of the estrous cycle. Profound changes in characteristics visualized by ultrasonography included thickness of the uterine body, ultrasonographic evidence of edema, and accumulation of intravaginal and intrauterine fluids. Scores representing intravaginal fluid, intrauterine fluid, ultrasonographic texture, and number of gray-scale zones (comprising the image of the uterus) increased before ovulation, then decreased until approximately day 3 to day 6 (ovulation = day 0). The scores for uterine shape and number of cross sections of a uterine horn in one 5-MHz field began to increase before ovulation, reached a high plateau during the period associated with maximal progesterone production, and decreased before the time associated with estrus and ovulation.     

Ultrasonographic examination of ocular lesions in farmed halibut

This paper describes the use of ultrasound to document ocular abnormalities occurring in farmed halibut. A cystic condition of the posterior segment of farmed halibut with a number of ocular sequelae has been reported previously. Further research to elucidate the aetiology and pathogenesis of this condition requires in vivo determination of ocular health over and above that provided by ophthalmoscopy alone. Ocular ultrasonography would appear to be an optimal technique for evaluating the presence of gas- or fluid-filled cysts in the posterior segment and retrobulbar space. The aim of this study was to evaluate this technique for investigation of the piscine eye and specifically to define the role of ultrasonography to detect gas bubble formation in the choroid of farmed halibut, a factor considered central to ocular pathology in many of these fish. In particular the study sought to assess the minimum size of halibut in which intraocular cystic lesions could be identified by ultrasonography and the minimum size of lesion identified by ocular ultrasonography. A second objective was to correlate ultrasonographic findings with lesions found at post mortem ocular examination. A number of halibut of varying sizes, with and without clinically apparent ocular lesions, were subjected to examination under anaesthesia. A proportion of these fish were subsequently sacrificed to allow post mortem ocular evaluation with the aim of correlating ultrasonographic findings with intraocular pathological defects.     

Ultrasonographic findings of intestinal intussusception in seven cats

The medical records of seven cats with intestinal intussusception that were diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography and exploratory laparotomy were reviewed. In transverse ultrasonographic sections the intussusception appeared as a target-like mass consisting of one, two or more hyperechoic and hypoechoic concentric rings surrounding a C-shaped, circular or non-specific shaped hyperechoic centre. Part of the intestine representing the inner intussusceptum, located close to the hyperechoic centre and surrounded by concentric rings, was also detected. In longitudinal sections the intussusception appeared as multiple hyperechoic and hypoechoic parallel lines in four cases and as an ovoid mass in three cases. In one case the ovoid mass had a ‘kidney’ configuration. Additional ultrasonographic findings associated with intestinal intussusception included an intestinal neoplasm in one cat. The results of the present study demonstrate that the ultrasonographic findings of intestinal intussusception in cats bear some similarities to those described in dogs and humans, are relatively consistent, and facilitate a specific diagnosis.     

Ultrasonographic findings of pylorogastric intussusceptions in two dogs

A Yorkshire terrier (case 1) and a Miniature Schnauzer (case 2) were diagnosed with pylorogastric intussusceptions (PGIs). Both cases showed acute vomiting and had previous histories of laparotomy. In case 1, the invaginated pyloric wall was thickened unevenly containing multiple hypoechoic areas and had indistinct wall layering on ultrasonography. PGI with diffuse gastric edema and necrosis was confirmed on laparotomy. The dog recovered completely after gastrectomy and a Y-U plasty. Case 2 had uniformly thickened walls of invaginated gastric pylorus with the distinct wall layering. PGI was reduced spontaneously the next day.     

奶牛真胃右方变位超声声像图特征的研究

比较分析了临床健康的荷斯坦奶牛和真胃右方变位奶牛(未发生真胃扭转)的真胃B超声图像的特征,旨在探讨采用B超体外探测诊断奶牛真胃右方变位的可行性。采用3.5MHz的扇形探头和线阵探头,对长春市某奶牛场5头典型真胃右方变位荷斯坦奶牛和10头身体状况良好的荷斯坦奶牛分别对其右侧第12~8肋间及其肋弓后缘和其腹底进行超声探查,采集并分析获得的B超声像图。正常情况下,真胃壁表现为1条弱回声细线,分层不明显,真胃内容物整体表现为混合型回声,偶尔可观察到呈弱回声的波浪状褶皱结构的真胃皱襞。右方变位后,由于真胃体积增大,真胃沿腹壁向后、向背侧延伸,可到达肋弓和背中线位置,内容物表现为气体和液体的混合状态,超声检查时更容易探及真胃皱襞。对所有病牛都采取剖腹探查进行了确证。结果表明,在B超声像图中,真胃右方变位前、后声像图特征明显,容易与前胃及其他邻近组织、器官区分开,B超可用于真胃右方变位奶牛及健康奶牛的鉴别诊断。     

Ultrasonographic findings in 22 cattle with pericarditis traumatica

The goal of the present study was to describe the ultrasonographic findings in 22 cattle with traumatic pericarditis. A 5.0 MHz linear transducer or a 5.0 MHz convex transducer was used to examine the thorax, reticulum and liver. There was severe pleural effusion in 17 heifers and severe pericardial effusion in 13 animals. Echogenic deposits and strands of fibrin were seen on the epicardium of 7 animals. Eighteen cattle had signs of traumatic reticuloperitonitis, and 11 had ascites. Because of cardiac insufficiency, 14 cattle had a markedly enlarged liver due to congestion and 15 had dilatation of the caudal vena cava. Ultrasonography is a useful diagnostic aid for visualisation and characterisation of thoracic and abdominal lesions in cattle with traumatic pericarditis.     

Ultrasonographic findings in a basenji with immunoproliferative enteropathy

The ultrasonographic findings in a one-and-a-half-year-old female basenji with immunoproliferative enteropathy are described. On ultrasonographic examination, generalised thickening of the small bowel wall was found, ranging between 4 and 6 mm. The normal layered appearance of the intestinal wall was replaced by three distinct layers; an innermost enlarged hyperechogenic layer; an enlarged poor echogenic layer, and an outer hyperechogenic layer. These findings are consistent with the histopathological appearance of this particular chronic inflammatory bowel disease, since the inner layer probably represents the infiltrated mucosa, the middle layer the infiltrated lamina propria and the outer layer the serosa. Thus, the ultrasonographic finding of generalised thickening of the intestinal wall in a basenji presenting with chronic diarrhoea, weight loss, anorexia or vomiting is strongly indicative of immunoproliferative enteropathy.     

Ultrasonographic findings in 2 cows with duodenal obstruction

Two cases where clinical findings suggestive of proximal ileus resulting in hypokalemic and hypochloremic alkalosis are presented. Ultrasonographs showed distension of the sigmoid flexure along the ventral border of the liver and between the serosal lamellae of the greater omentum in the flank, allowing exact preoperative obstruction localization.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the caudal structures of the distal antebrachium in the horse

Evaluation of the caudal distal antebrachium using ultrasound is a very useful diagnostic procedure for identification of soft tissue abnormalities in flexor structures of the equine limb. In this article we describe how ultrasonographic imaging may be used to complement radiography of the carpus in evaluating horses that present with peri‐carpal swelling and/or lameness localised to the carpal region. Ultrasonographic examination assists with the identification or exclusion of significant injuries to muscular, tendonous and ligamentous structures within the distal antebrachium and enables practitioners to proceed with appropriate therapeutic and rehabilitation plans for the immediate benefit for their patients while also recognising pathology that could progress to cause long‐term, chronic lameness issues without aggressive and effective intervention.     

Ultrasonographic appearance of the bovine conceptus from days 20 through 60

The ultrasonographic appearance of the conceptus on days 20 to 60 was determined by daily examinations in 15 heifers. The mean length of the embryo proper increased from the day of first detection (day 20.3 +/- 0.3; 3.8 +/- 0.3 mm) to day 60 (66.1 +/- 1.7 mm). The growth curve was quadratic, with an increasing growth rate after approximately day 50. The embryo initially had the appearance of a short, straight line and developed a C shape on day 25.4 +/- 0.8 and an L shape on day 32.7 +/- 1.1. The average day of first detection of various structures was as follows: allantois, 23.2 +/- 0.3; spinal cord, 29.1 +/- 0.5; forelimbs, 29.1 +/- 0.3; amnion, 29.5 +/- 0.5; optic area, 30.2 +/- 0.4; hindlimbs, 31.2 +/- 0.3; placentomes, 35.2 +/- 1.0; optic lens, 40.0 +/- 0.6; split hooves, 44.6 +/- 0.7; fetal movements, 44.8 +/- 0.8; and ribs, 52.8 +/- 0.5. Embryonic death, as indicated by cessation of heartbeats, occurred in one heifer on day 26. The embryonic mass increased in echogenicity and was maintained with a gradually decreasing fluid volume until the occurrence of estrus 17 days after death.     

Ultrasonographic findings of an ovarian abscess in a cow

Ultrasonographic examination was carried out in a cow with an ovarian abscess. Real time ultrasound scanning using a 7.5 MHz linear probe per rectum revealed an active left ovary with follicles of up to 11 mm in diameter and an enlarged right ovary measuring 6 x 6 cm, with a mass of 4 x 3 cm. The mass had varied echotexture, a thick hyperechoic boundary and a hypoechoic centre with echoic foci. It was tentatively diagnosed as an ovarian tumour or abscess. After ovariectomy, grossly the right ovary measured 6 x 6 x 5 cm and on cutting cheesy pus oozed out. The abscess was completely localised within the ovary, 4 cm in diameter and encapsulated thickly. On bacteriological examination Staphylococcus spp. was isolated. This is a rare case of ovarian abscess.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the hip joint region and bony pelvis in cattle

Transcutaneous and transrectal ultrasonographic examination of the hip joint region and the pelvis was carried out in 7 cadavers, transcutaneous ultrasonography in 17 healthy young and adult cattle, and transrectal sonography was performed in 12 healthy cows in order to study the normal ultrasonographic appearance of these regions. 7.5 MHz linear-, 5.0 MHz and 3.5 MHz convex transducers and a 7.5 MHz rectal probe were used. The bone surfaces of the greater trochanter, the femoral neck and head, the acetabulum and the other pelvic bones were visualised as hyperechoic contours. The coxofemoral joint space was identified in all cadavers and live cattle. The joint pouch could not be visualised, neither in cadavers nor in live cattle. After experimental filling of the coxofemoral joint pouch by injection of 35-45 ml eosin-solution it appeared as a large anechoic zone between the articular surface and the echogenic joint capsule. The inner contours of the pelvic girdle, both iliosacral joint spaces, the abdominal aorta and the external iliac arteries were depicted clearly by transrectal ultrasonography. The practical application of diagnostic ultrasound in these regions is demonstrated in clinical patients suffering from a septic coxarthritis and a sequestration of a part of the tuber coxae following an open fracture. These results serve as reference data for ultrasonographic investigation of disorders of the hip joint and the pelvic region in cattle.