Application of acoustic Doppler current profiler combined with a scientific echo sounder for krill Euphausia pacifica density estimation

ABSTRACT:   An application of the acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP, 153.6 kHz) in combination with a scientific echo sounder (EK60, 38 and 200 kHz) was investigated to estimate the density of krill Euphausia pacifica . The acoustic backscattering strength from sound scattering layers was compared with biomass estimates from midwater trawls. Euphausia pacifica was targeted among mixed species populations in the sound scattering layer in the offshore Funka Bay area of Hokkaido, Japan. The frequency characteristics of acoustic backscattering by krill were calculated using a distorted wave Born approximation scattering model at three frequencies. Krill aggregations identified from the EK60 data were extracted as the mean volume backscattering strength difference between two frequencies. They were then used to identify similar aggregations in the ADCP data by matching observation times and depths for the two methods, which were applied simultaneously. Results from the comparison of the mean volume backscattering strength and the density calculated from the ADCP and EK60 showed that ADCP can be used to measure density and spatial–temporal distribution of krill aggregations. Current speed and direction at the study site were found to be 16.1 cm/s and 187.0°, respectively, and krill speed and direction (including the current component) were found to be 19.8 cm/s and 172.2°, respectively. Based on the ADCP data, the net speed and direction of the krill aggregations were found to be 5.9 cm/s and 128.0°, respectively.     

M-MODE AND DOPPLER ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN NORMAL FERRETS SEDATED WITH KETAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE AND MIDAZOLAM

M-mode and Doppler echocardiographic values were obtained from 30 normal adult ferrets (14 neutered females, 13 neutered males, 3 intact males) sedated with an intramuscular combination of ketamine hydrochloride and midazolam. Routine M-mode measurements of the left and right ventricle, left atrium (LA) and aorta (AO) and Doppler measurements of aortic and pulmonic outflow, and mitral inflow were recorded. The following values were calculated: LA:AO diameter, ratio of peak E: peak A wave velocity (E:A ratio) for mitral inflow, and stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO) and cardiac index (CI) for both pulmonary and aortic outflow tracts. Maximal aortic velocities (AOmax) and velocity-time integral values (AO VTI) were significantly less than corresponding pulmonary outflow tract values (PAmax, PA VTI) but there was no difference in calculated values for SV, CO or CI. Calculated CO values were in the range expected based on the size of the species. Difficulties in aligning the aortic outflow tract for Doppler imaging may make pulmonary outflow Doppler values more consistent for use in estimating volume flow in ferrets.     

A COMPARISON OF MANUAL AND AUTOMATIC ULTRASOUND-GUIDED BIOPSY TECHNIQUES

A manual, ultrasound-guided biopsy technique was compared to a new automatic method using a new biopsy device. The liver and the left kidney of 10 dogs were biopsied using the two methods. The specimens from the biopsies were compared for size and quality. Results demonstrate that larger and higher quality samples were obtained with the new automatic method.     

Relationship of the iridocorneal angle, as measured using ultrasound biomicroscopy, with post-operative increases in intraocular pressure post-phacoemulsification in dogs

Objective  To investigate the relationship of the iridocorneal angle as it appears on ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) to increases in IOP post-phacoemulsification in the canine eye.
Animals studied  47 eyes of 28 dogs of various age, sex, and breed.
Methods  The ciliary process and limbus were used as a reference points to measure the angle opening distance (AOD), which was set by multiplying 0.45 by the distance between the ciliary process and limbus (when measured from the ciliary process). Pressure measurements were taken at five set points: Before, immediately post-, one day post-, 1 week post-, and 1 month post-phacoemulsification.
Results  A weak relationship between the AOD and the IOP one day post-phacoemulsification (Intercept: 2.83, Slope: –1.24, P -value: 0.0155) was observed. No relationship immediately post-operative (Intercept: 3.45, Slope: –1.34, P -value: 0.0651), 1 week post-phacoemulsification (Intercept: 2.31, Slope: –0.01, P -value: 0.9829), 1 month post-phacoemulsification (Intercept: 1.85, Slope: –0.49, P -value: 0.1533) was observed. The pre-operative measurements made with UBM were: Distance from limbus to ciliary process (DLCP): (Minimum: 1.152, Maximum: 2.992, Mean: 1.91, SD: 0.468); AOD (Minimum: 0.104, Maximum: 0.764, Mean: 0.40, SD: 0.172).
Conclusions  The relationship between AOD as measured by UBM pre-operatively is weakly associated with IOP pressure elevations at day one post-phacoemulsification. Further study is required prospectively to establish the importance of this relationship. Initial measurements of the canine iridocorneal angle were created, suggesting a method to be used in the future to establish true canine normal measurements.     

STARRY SKY HEPATIC ULTRASONOGRAPHIC PATTERN IN HORSES

The starry sky hepatic pattern is an unusual ultrasonographic appearance of equine liver characterized by numerous small, hyperechoic foci, some of which cast an acoustic shadow, distributed randomly throughout the hepatic parenchyma. Our objectives were to describe the signalment, clinical signs, clinicopathological findings, primary disease process, and ultrasonographic findings of horses with this ultrasonographic pattern, as well as determine the associated gross and histologic changes. The starry sky pattern was identified in 18 adult horses of mixed gender and breed. The horses had various clinical signs, with weight loss and anorexia reported most commonly. Liver size and parenchymal echogenicity were normal in most horses. The hyperechoic foci frequently caused acoustic shadowing. Biliary dilation was noted rarely. The ultrasonographic pattern was the result of numerous fibrosing hepatic granulomas in all horses evaluated histologically. γ‐Glutamyltransferase was the most commonly elevated hepatic enzyme, though it was increased in fewer than half the horses. Fifteen horses had an additional disease that was identified as the apparent cause of clinical signs. Three horses had primary hepatic disease while 12 had diseases of other body systems. Therefore, the starry sky ultrasonographic pattern is likely incidental in most horses and not clinically significant. Improved recognition of this pattern and further investigation of affected horses may help refine the etiology and clinical significance of the granulomas.     

COMBINED USE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND CONTRAST ENHANCED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY TO EVALUATE ACUTE NECROTIZING PANCREATITIS IN TWO DOGS

The imaging findings in two miniature schnauzers with acute necrotizing pancreatitis are described. Both dogs were treated previously for diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia. Vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy were observed in both dogs at presentation. Laboratory evaluations supportive of pancreatitis included left shift, abnormally high serum amylase and lipase activities, hypocalcemia, and abnormally high serum activities of liver enzymes. Sonographically, both dogs had diffusely enlarged hypoechoic pancreatic tissue with anechoic foci compatible with necrosis, abscessation, phlegmon, and pseudocysts formation. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) findings in both dogs were compatible with pancreatic necrosis. Dog 1 was managed medically for 11 days. Follow-up CT scan in this dog disclosed decreased pancreatic size and increased contrast enhancement compatible with partial resolution of pancreatitis.     

Evaluation of injectate distribution after ultrasound-guided peribulbar injections in canine cadavers

ObjectiveTo describe a contrast medium distribution pattern after peribulbar injection in cadavers.Study designA cadaveric study.AnimalsA group of eight male dogs and four canine cadaver heads.MethodsIn phase 1, ultrasound-guided peribulbar injections (1.0 mL dye) were performed in four orbits using a subzygomatic approach. After dissection, the procedure was considered successful if 1) no dye was found in the retrobulbar space, 2) the peribulbar compartment was stained and 3) the dye reached the orbital fissure. In phase 2, using 16 orbits, the same technique was used to inject 0.1 mL kg^–1 contrast medium into (group A, n = 8) or outside (group B, n = 8) the peribulbar compartment. After freezing at –20°C, orbits were imaged using computed tomography, and the contrast medium distribution was analysed.ResultsIn phase 1, the procedure was successful in all four eyes. In phase 2, two orbits (one in each group) were removed from the study: one was not injected and the other was injected twice. The contrast medium was found inside the peribulbar compartment in six of seven (85.7%) group A orbits and two of seven (28.6%) group B orbits. In all of these cases, distribution to the orbital fissure, rostral alar foramen, mandibular foramen and inside the skull was observed. The oval foramen was reached in three of seven (42.9%) group A orbits and one of seven (14.3%) group B orbits. In one/seven (14.3%) group A orbits and five/seven (71.4%) group B orbits, the contrast medium was found inside the masseter and temporal muscles, and no distribution towards the aforementioned structures was observed.Conclusions and clinical relevanceUltrasound-guided peribulbar injection of 0.1 mL kg^–1 contrast medium in canine cadavers can lead to an extensive distribution of the injectate that reaches the orbital fissure, the rostral alar, oval, and mandibular foramina and can be found intra-cranially.     

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC AND DOPPLER DIAGNOSIS: FIRST CASE OF ATRIAL SEPTAL ANEURYSM IN A CAT

A 6-year-old female cat developed pleural and abdominal effusion. Cardiac ultrasound and 2D color tissue Doppler imaging revealed restrictive cardiomyopathy with severe biatrial dilatation and hypertension. This cardiomyopathy was associated with atrial septal aneurysm and a patent foramen ovale. The atrial septal aneurysm involved the entire atrial septum. Necropsy and histological examination confirmed all these findings. ASA is a rare malformation and, as in this cat, it generally occurs concomitantly with congenital or acquired heart disease and may be explained by greater pressure in one atrium, leading to controlateral protrusion of the atrial septum.