Reference ranges and reliability of transabdominal ultrasonographic renal dimensions in thoroughbred horses

The aims of this study were to establish a normal reference range (mean ± 2 SD) and assess reliability of renal dimensions obtained using transabdominal ultrasonography in Thoroughbred horses (n = 7). A minimum of three ultrasonographic cineloops were obtained from each intercostal space and the left paralumbar fossa by two observers daily for three consecutive days. Renal length, width, and thickness and cortex, medulla, and pelvic dimensions were obtained. Measurements were undertaken by both observers, who were unaware of prior measurements, to assess reproducibility and measured on three separate occasions to evaluate short-term measurement repeatability. Measurements from images obtained by both operators were compared to evaluate image repeatability. The left kidney was consistently identified in the left 15th-17th intercostal space and the paralumbar fossa with maximal length in the 16th intercostal space (12.7 ± 2.0 cm) and maximal width in the paralumbar fossa (7.9 ± 1.1 cm). The right kidney was consistently identified in the right 15th-17th intercostal space with maximal length and maximal width in the 15th intercostal space (16.0 ± 0.7 cm and 7.9 ± 1.0 cm). Reproducibility, image repeatability, measurement repeatability were good to excellent, although were less good for the smaller structures. There were no differences in renal dimensions between horses. Overall renal ultrasonography was reliable and a normal reference range for Thoroughbred horses was established. Renal dimensions vary between rib spaces. As repeatability and reproducibility were excellent for renal length and width, it may be prudent to use those measurements in rib spaces where parameters were maximal.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the right kidney in cows.

To determine the position, dimensions, and structure of the right kidney in cattle by use of ultrasonography, the right kidney of 11 healthy Brown Swiss cows was examined 10 times within 2 weeks. A 3.5- and 5.0-MHz linear and convex transducer was placed on the right side of the cow in the lumbar region, in the paralumbar fossa, and in the last intercostal space. The echogenicity of various renal structures differed. The lobulation of the kidney in cattle could be visualized ultrasonographically; however, the cortex and medulla could not be differentiated. The distance between body surface and the right kidney was almost 3 times larger (5.3 +/- 1.71 cm, mean +/- SD) in the lumbar region than in the paralumbar fossa (1.8 +/- 0.52 cm). The vertical diameter of the kidney was remarkably smaller (5.1 +/- 0.47 cm) than the horizontal diameter (9.4 +/- 0.98 cm). In 7 cows, the thickness of the renal cortex and medulla was between 1.9 and 2.1 cm. The medullary pyramids could be visualized when the transducer was placed in the paralumbar fossa. Fourteen of 19 variables measured had a coefficient of variation between 8 and 14%. It was concluded that the ultrasonographic values determined in this study can be used as references for the diagnosis of morphologic changes in the right kidney of domestic dairy cattle.     

Transabdominal ultrasonographic appearance of the gastrointestinal viscera of healthy camels (Camelus dromedaries)

The purpose of this study was to describe the ultrasonographic picture of the gastrointestinal tract in healthy camels (Camelus dromedarius). For this purpose, 22 camels were examined. The rumen and its glandular sacs were filling most of the left side of the abdomen. The rumen wall was smooth and echogenic. The ventral part of the reticulum could be best imaged in 17 (77%) camels from the left and right paramedian region just behind to the sternal pad. The reticulum in these animals had a thick wall (1.17±0.27 cm) that appeared as a half-moon-shaped structure with a biphasic contraction. The omasum was best viewed through the right 8th to 6th intercostal spaces in 18 (82%) camels. In the remaining 4 (18%), it was visualized through four consecutive intercostal spaces (right 9th to 6th). It had a wall thickness of 1.1±0.7 cm and a transverse diameter of 8.74±3.4 cm. The abomasum could be best visualized from the right 9th and 8th intercostal spaces in 14 (64%) camels, while it was observed in the 9th intercostal space in 3 (14%) animals and in the 8th and 7th intercostal space in 5 (22%) camels. Small intestinal structures were best seen low in the right paralumbar fossa. It was thin-walled (0.43±0.14 cm) and had a diameter of 2.62±0.47 cm. The cecum was imaged chiefly in the caudal right flank. It was thin-walled (0.37±0.05 cm), had a diameter of 13.8±1.6 cm. The proximal loop of the large colon appeared as thick, echogenic, continuous and slightly curved lines. It was thin-walled (0.51±0.08 cm) and had a diameter of 3.5±0.8 cm. The spiral colon was confined in all camels to the caudal ventral half of the abdomen. It appeared as structures with thick echoic lateral walls with a number of echogenic arched lines next to each other. Free peritoneal fluid pockets were imaged in two locations in 19 (86%) camels. Ultrasound-guided abdominocentesis was successful in 15 (68%) of the examined camels. This study provides the ultrasonographic appearance of the normal gastrointestinal tract in healthy camels that could be used as a reference for the interpretation of suspected digestive abnormalities.     

VALIDATION OF A NOVEL TRANSLUMBAR ULTRASOUND TECHNIQUE FOR MEASURING RENAL DIMENSIONS IN HORSES

A reliable method for obtaining renal ultrasonographic measurements in the horse is important for diagnosis and monitoring of clinical renal disease. The aims of this prospective study were to develop and validate a novel translumbar ultrasound technique for measuring renal dimensions in horses. Six Thoroughbred or Thoroughbred part bred horses were recruited. All horses were scheduled for euthanasia due to reasons unrelated to the kidneys. Two observers recorded renal length, width, and depth; and dimensions of the cortex, medulla, pyramids, and pelvis for both kidneys in each horse using novel translumbar and conventional transabdominal ultrasound methods. The same measurements were recorded from post‐mortem renal specimens. Both kidneys were consistently identified by both methods in the 15–17th intercostal spaces and paralumbar fossa. Using the translumbar technique, maximal dimensions were obtained for the left kidney in the 16th intercostal space (length 16.2 ± 2.0 cm, width 11.8 ± 0.5 cm, depth 6.4 ± 0.9 cm) and for the right kidney in the 15th intercostal space (length 16.1 ± 1.2 cm, width 13.4 ± 1.2 cm, depth 6.7 ± 0.7 cm). Renal dimensions obtained by transabdominal and translumbar projections did not differ (P > 0.05). Good correlations were found between overall renal dimensions and post‐mortem measurements for both ultrasound techniques (r² > 0.8), but were better for the translumbar method (mean r² = 0.92 cf. 0.88). Good‐to‐excellent reliability was found for all translumbar ultrasound measurements except for the renal cortex. Reproducibility was better for the larger (overall length, width, and depth) than the smaller (cortex, medulla, and pyramids) structures. Findings indicated that translumbar ultrasonography is a valid method for measuring renal dimensions in horses.     

Ultrasonography of the spleen in 50 healthy cows

This paper describes the ultrasonographic appearance, location and size of the spleen in 50 healthy commercial milk cows destined for slaughter. The intercostal spaces of the left thoracic wall were scanned with a 3.5 MHz linear transducer. In each intercostal space, the appearance of the splenic parenchyma, the dorsal and ventral margins and the distance between them, and the diameter of the splenic vessels were recorded. The spleen was seen in intercostal spaces 7-12. It was 2.0-5.0 cm thick, and tapered ventrally. The splenic capsule appeared as an echogenic line. The splenic parenchyma consisted of numerous small regularly spaced echoes, and vessels within the parenchyma appeared as anechoic round to oval or elongated images. The long axis was oblique, running caudodorsal to cranioventral. The distance from the dorsal margin of the spleen to the midline of the back was greatest in the 7th intercostal space (60.9+/-6.81) and smallest in the 12th intercostal space (12.7+/-2.85 cm). The extent of the spleen was greatest in the 8th intercostal space (24.9+/-10.77 cm) and smallest in the 12th intercostal space (9.5+/-5.38 cm). The mean diameter of the splenic vessels ranged from 0.66+/-0.28 to 0.90+/-0.65 cm, depending on the intercostal space scanned. Ultrasonography of the spleen in healthy cows provides information that can be used as a reference when examining cattle with suspected splenic disease.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the omasum, liver, and small and large intestines in cows with right displacement of the abomasum and abomasal volvulus

OBJECTIVE: To describe ultrasonographic appearance of the liver, small and large intestines, and omasum in cows with right displacement of the abomasum (RDA) and with abomasal volvulus (AV) and to determine whether RDA and AV can be differentiated on the basis of ultrasonographic findings. ANIMALS: 17 cows with RDA, 9 cows with AV, and 10 healthy control cows. PROCEDURES: A linear transducer was used to examine the abomasum, liver, omasum, and small and large intestines from the right side. Results-The liver was imaged less frequently in cows with RDA or AV, compared with control cows. In 9 cows with RDA or AV, the liver could not be imaged. The small intestine was imaged less frequently in cows with RDA or AV than in control cows; in cows with AV, the small intestine could not be imaged in the 8th, 9th, or 10th intercostal space. The large intestine was imaged less frequently in the 11th and 12th intercostal spaces and the cranial region of the flank in cows with RDA or AV. The omasum was also imaged less frequently in the 8th and 9th intercostal spaces in cows with RDA or AV. Cows with RDA or AV could not be differentiated on the basis of ultrasonographic findings. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Compared with control cows, cows with RDA and AV had changes in positioning and therefore extent of ultrasonographic imaging of the liver, omasum, and small and large intestines; however, these findings were not useful in differentiating between cows with RDA and AV.     

Ultrasonographic-anatomic correlation and an imaging protocol of the normal canine kidney

Ultrasonographic or anatomic observations or both were made of the kidneys of 26 dogs. The anatomic studies established precise correlations between the gross anatomic features of the organ and its ultrasonographic images obtained in transverse, sagittal, dorsal, and 2 oblique planes. Uniformly mottled echogenicity of the renal cortex could be clearly differentiated from the less echogenic renal medulla. In the mid-dorsal plane, the papillae of the renal pyramids were directed towards the renal sinus. The bases of the pyramids were almost circular in outline in the midsagittal images and the renal crest was seen as an echogenic line. Although the renal sinus was highly echogenic, neither the renal pelvis nor its recesses were detected. The walls of each of the interlobar arteries provided echogenic parallel lines, passing in the renal recesses between the renal pyramids. Arcuate arteries were demonstrated at the corticomedullary junction and interlobular arteries were detected within the renal cortex. For the right kidney, transverse images were obtained with the ultrasonographic transducer at the last 2 intercostal spaces; images in the dorsal, sagittal, and oblique planes were obtained with the transducer placed over the caudal extremity of the kidney. In the left kidney, transverse images were made with the transducers at, and caudal to, the last intercostal space; images in the dorsal, sagittal, and oblique planes were obtained with the transducer placed over the lateral border of the kidney. The use of such a protocol ensures that the entire organ is inspected and a diagnosis of either a normal or pathologic kidney is made.     

Standard planes for ultrasonographic examination of the portal system in dogs

A scanning protocol for the systematic ultrasonographic examination of the portal system in dogs was developed. Seven planes were used to image the portal system. With the dogs in left lateral recumbency, 3 transverse planes obtained via the right intercostal spaces were used to visualize the portal vein and right portal branch, and a longitudinal plane obtained with the transducer caudal to the last right rib was used to visualize the portal bifurcation. With the dogs in dorsal recumbency, a longitudinal plane was used as an alternative method of visualizing the portal vein and its bifurcation. Finally, with the dogs in right lateral recumbency, longitudinal planes obtained with the transducer in the left flank were used to visualize the hepatic artery, the left renal vein, and the left testicular or ovarian vein. To diagnose or rule out portosystemic shunting, the right portal branch, the left testicular or ovarian vein, the portal vein immediately caudal to the portal bifurcation, and the portal vein at the level of the celiac artery should be examined with this scanning protocol.     

Left- and right-sided laparoscopic-assisted nephrectomy in standing horses with unilateral renal disease

Objective— To describe a technique for, and outcome after, left‐ or right‐sided laparoscopic‐assisted nephrectomy in standing horses with unilateral renal disease. Study Design— Clinical report. Animals— Horses (n=3) with unilateral renal disease. Methods— Horses were sedated with detomidine (0.01 mg/kg intravenously [IV]) and levomethadone (0.05 mg/kg IV). Paravertebral anesthesia and infiltration‐anesthesia with 2% lidocaine were used to create a surgical field incorporating the 17th intercostal space and paralumbar fossa. Two separate, ipsilateral portals and a mini‐laparotomy were used. The perirenal peritoneum was horizontally incised (10–15 cm) using endoscissors and the incision digitally enlarged for manual dissection of the perirenal fat and kidney mobilization. The renal vessels and ureter were individually dissected, ligated, and transected under laparoscopic observation and the kidney removed. The perirenal and laparotomy peritoneal defects were not closed; and the laparotomy was closed in a multilayered fashion. The transverse abdominal muscle was apposed in a continuous pattern using 1 polyglactin 910, the subcutaneous tissue (simple continuous pattern) and skin (simple interrupted pattern) with 2–0 polyglactin 910. Results— Left (2) and right (1) sided laparoscopic‐assisted nephrectomy (1 nephrolithiasis, 2 hydronephrosis) was performed successfully. Sedation and local anesthesia was adequate for intraoperative immobilization and analgesia. No intraoperative complications occurred. Incisional seroma formation and fever occurred on days 3 and 4 in 1 horse and resolved with medical management. Conclusion— Laparoscopic‐assisted nephrectomy can be used for removal of the left or right kidney in standing horses with unilateral kidney disease. Clinical Relevance— To avoid risks associated with general anesthesia and to reduce surgical trauma, laparoscopic‐assisted nephrectomy can be performed in the standing sedated horse using a 2 portal technique and a mini‐laparotomy.     

Gastrointestinal ultrasonography in normal adult ponies

The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics based on ultrasonographic examination of the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, cecum, and peritoneal fluid in normal adult ponies. Abdominal ultrasonographic examination was performed in nine unsedated standing ponies. The duodenum was examined at three sites and the jejunum in 12 regions. Wall thickness, contractility, distention, and luminal contents were recorded. Stomach wall thickness and location, cecal wall thickness, and peritoneal fluid location and character were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed. Wall thicknesses (in cm) were 0.431 +/- 0.069 for the stomach, 0.188 +/- 0.033 for the duodenum (at all sites), 0.195 +/- 0.031 for the jejunum (at all regions), and 0.179 +/- 0.031 for the cecum. Duodenal contractions per minute were 3.78 +/- 1.10. The stomach spanned 5.14 +/- 0.9 intercostal spaces, with the 8th intercostal space being the most cranial and the 15th intercostal space being the most caudal space through which the stomach was identified. It was possible to identify the jejunum in all ponies dorsal to the left dorsal colon and from the ventral abdominal wall. Peritoneal fluid was identified in six ponies. Peritoneal fluid was usually seen transiently and most commonly in the ventral aspect of the abdominal cavity or around the duodenum. Overall, the ponie's abdominal ultrasonographic examinations revealed wall thicknesses that were less than the published normal ranges for horses. It appears that ponies may have increased duodenal contractility than horses and that the conformation of ponies may change the locations for imaging the stomach.     

Ultrasonography of the omasum in cows with various gastrointestinal diseases

The omasums of 30 healthy cows and 55 cows with various gastrointestinal disorders (10 with left displacement and eight with right displacement of the abomasum, 10 with abomasal volvulus, 10 with traumatic reticuloperitonitis, nine with ileus of the small intestines and eight with reticulo-omasal stenosis) were examined ultrasonographically on the right side of the body with a 3.5 MHz linear transducer. The dorsal and ventral margins of the omasum and its size in the fifth to 11th intercostal spaces were determined. Generally, the ultrasonographic appearance of the omasum did not differ between the healthy and abnormal cows. The omasum appeared as a semicircle, and the omasal wall closest to the transducer was visible as a thick echogenic line. In a few of the abnormal cows, the omasal laminae were visible and the omasum appeared to have motility. In the cows with left and right displacement of the abomasum and abomasal volvulus, the dorsal margin of the omasum was significantly further from the dorsal midline in some intercostal spaces than in the healthy cows. In the cows with left displacement of the abomasum, the ventral margin of the omasum was significantly further from the dorsal midline in the 7th intercostal space than in the healthy cows. In the cows with reticulo-omasal stenosis, traumatic reticuloperitonitis and ileus of the small intestine, the ventral margin of the omasum was significantly closer to the dorsal midline in some intercostal spaces than in the healthy cows. The mean (sd) size of the omasum in the healthy cows varied from 16.3 (1.5) cm to 56.9 (10.0) cm, depending on the intercostal space, and the omasum was significantly smaller in some intercostal spaces in the cows with reticulo-omasal stenosis, right displacement of the omasum, abomasal volvulus and ileus of the small intestine.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic left nephrectomy in standing horses

OBJECTIVE: To describe a hand-assisted, laparoscopic technique to remove the left kidney in standing horses. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective evaluation. ANIMALS: Eight horses. METHODS: Food was withheld for a minimum of 12 hours. Horses were sedated with detomidine hydrochloride (0.01-0.02 mg/kg, intravenously) and restrained in standing stocks. The left paralumbar fossa was prepared for surgery, and the surgical site was infiltrated with 2% mepivacaine. Hand-assisted, laparoscopic removal of the left kidney was performed through an incision in the center of the paralumbar fossa; the surgeon's hand was used to isolate the left kidney and associated vasculature. The renal artery and vein were isolated and individually ligated. After vessel transection distal to the ligatures, the left kidney was exteriorized, the ureter ligated and transected, and the incision closed. RESULTS: Laparoscopic removal of the left kidney was successfully performed in all horses. Retroperitoneal infiltration of local anesthesia provided adequate anesthesia. Intraoperative hemorrhage occurred in 3 horses. Surgical duration (initial skin incision to transection of the left kidney) ranged from 20 to 90 minutes. In 2 horses, no signs of pain were noted for 48 hours postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery can be used for removal of the left kidney in horses. Clinical Relevance-Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy can be safely performed in standing horses; however, care should be taken to identify accessory branches of the renal artery to limit potential complications with hemorrhage.     

Ultrasonographic findings in horses with right dorsal colitis: five cases (2000-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether ultrasonography would be useful in the diagnosis of right dorsal colitis in horses. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 5 horses with right dorsal colitis and 15 healthy adult horses. PROCEDURE: Mural thickness and appearance of the right dorsal colon were determined from ultrasonographic images obtained at right intercostal spaces 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14. RESULTS: The right dorsal colon could be imaged most consistently at the right 11th, 12th, and 13th intercostal spaces, below the margin of the lung and axial to the liver. Mural thickness measured from ultrasonographic images was significantly greater in horses with right dorsal colitis than in healthy horses. The right dorsal colon in affected horses had a prominent hypoechoic layer associated with submucosal edema and inflammatory infiltrates. Successful treatment of 1 horse with right dorsal colitis was associated with a decrease in mural thickness coincident with an increase in serum albumin and total protein concentrations and weight gain. A decrease in mural thickness was also observed in a second horse treated for right dorsal colitis that was not associated with healing of the right dorsal colon or an increase in serum albumin concentration but rather thinning of a segment of the right dorsal colon that eventually ruptured. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that ultrasonographic measurement of mural thickness and evaluation of the appearance of the right dorsal colon may be useful in the diagnosis of right dorsal colitis in horses.     

Development of a technique for serial bilateral renal biopsy in steers

A biopsy procedure was developed to provide serial kidney samples from standing steers. Ten clinically normal steers were given intramuscular injections of gentamicin sulfate, 4 mg/kg body weight. Renal biopsy was performed at 5 separate times. After feed was withheld for 24 h, laparoscopic surgery was performed in standing stocks. Acepromazine, xylazine, and butorphanol were used for sedation and analgesia, and 2% lidocaine was used for local anesthesia. Two incisions approximately 2 cm long were made in the paralumbar fossa to allow for trocar introduction. The abdomen was insufflated with CO2 and, with endoscopic guidance, a biopsy forceps used to remove a kidney sample 2 to 3 mm in diameter, by either a left or a right abdominal approach. Each operation was recorded on videotape, and images were also captured with a digital medical device system. Respiration, heart rate, temperature, appetite, attitude, and postural positions were evaluated at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after surgery. The 51 laparoscopic procedures provided 48 renal samples (approximately 100 mg each). The 1st and 2nd samples were from the right kidney, and the 3rd sample was from either the left or the right kidney; the 4th and 5th samples were from the left kidney. Adhesions made an approach from the right side difficult for the 3rd sample. No clinical changes were observed in 9 steers after the procedure. One steer died after the 3rd procedure owing to hemorrhage.     

Ultrasonography of the spleen,liver, gallbladder,caudal vena cava and portal vein in healthy calves from birth to 104?days of age

Background

Many of the ultrasonographic abdominal findings of adult cattle probably also apply to calves. However, significant changes associated with ruminal growth and transition from a milk to a roughage diet occur in young calves during the first few months, and it can be expected that ultrasonographic features of organs adjacent to the rumen such as spleen and liver also undergo significant changes. These have not been investigated to date and therefore the goal of this study was to describe ultrasonographic findings of the spleen, liver, gallbladder, caudal vena cava and portal vein in six healthy calves from birth to 104 days of age. Standing calves were examined ultrasonographically six times at three-week intervals starting on the first or second day of life using a 5.0-MHz transducer and techniques described previously.

Results

The spleen was imaged on the left at the 5th to 12th intercostal spaces. The dorsal and ventral visible limits ran from cranioventral to caudodorsal because of superimposition of the lungs. The size of the spleen was largest at the 7th and 8th intercostal spaces and the maximum thickness was measured at the 9th to 12th intercostal spaces. The liver was seen in all calves on the right and could be imaged at the 5th to 12th intercostal spaces and the area caudal to the last rib. Similar to the spleen, the dorsal visible margin of the liver ran parallel to the ventral border of the lungs. The visible size of the liver was largest at the 8th to 11th intercostal spaces and the maximum thickness was measured at the 8th and 9th intercostal spaces. The parenchymal pattern consisted of numerous fine echoes homogeneously distributed over the entire organ. The gallbladder was most commonly seen at the 9th intercostal space and was circular, oval or pear-shaped on ultrasonograms. It extended beyond the ventral border of the liver depending on the amount of bile. The caudal vena cava was triangular in cross section but sometimes had a round or oval profile and was always seen in at least one intercostal space. The maximum circumference was measured at the 10th and 11th intercostal spaces. The portal vein was circular or oval in cross section and was characterised by stellate ramifications branching into the liver parenchyma. The portal vein could always be imaged at the 7th to 11th intercostal spaces and its mean diameter at the 9th to 11th intercostal spaces ranged from 1.2 cm to 1.8 cm.

Conclusions

The ultrasonographic findings of the spleen, liver, gallbladder, caudal vena cava and portal vein in six healthy Holstein-Friesian calves from birth to 104 days of age serve as reference values for the examination of these anatomical structures in diseased calves.     

Ultrasonography of the urinary tract in 29 female Saanen goats

The left and right kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra of 29 female clinically healthy Saanen goats were examined via transcutaneous and transrectal ultrasonography. In order to establish reference values the examinations were performed using a 5.0 MHz linear transducer to scan the right caudal costal part of the abdominal wall, right and left dorsal flanks and right and left inguinal regions of standing goats. A 5.0 MHz intracavity probe was used for transrectal ultrasonographic examination of the urinary bladder and urethra. The kidneys were examined in longitudinal and cross section and assessed subjectively. They could usually be seen from the 12th intercostal space on the right side and dorsal right flank. The right kidney was 8.0 ± 0.67 cm long and the left was 8.4 ± 0.64 cm long. The ureters could not be visualized in any of the goats. The length of the urinary bladder was 5.1 ± 1.38 cm, and its largest cross-sectional diameter was 2.6 ± 1.01 cm. The urethra was seen in 23 goats and appeared as echogenic lines with no visible lumen. The transition from the neck of the bladder to the internal urethral orifice extended beyond the brim of the pelvis in only one goat.     

ULTRASOUND LOCALIZATION AND GUIDANCE FOR RENAL BIOPSY IN THE HORSE

Real-time ultrasonography was used to assist percutaneous renal biopsies in seven normal horses. Ultrasound (US) guidance and blind biopsy following US localization were compared. Ten biopsies (seven right kidney and three left kidney) were performed. A transverse approach to the lateral border of the right kidney through the 17th intercostal space was favored, with the needle angle being approximately perpendicular to the body wall. Both biopsy techniques were effective, but blind biopsy following US localization was favored as it was easily performed by one operator without the need for specialized biopsy equipment. The spleen had a variable location and its penetration with the biopsy needle was necessary to obtain two left kidney biopsies. Macroscopic and microscopic hematuria was observed postbiopsy in one and four horses, respectively, out of six horses examined. Perirenal hemorrhage was a prominent finding on necropsy in five of six horses euthanized.     

Quantification of hepatic and renal cortical echogenicity in clinically normal cats

OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively determine echogenicity of the liver and renal cortex in clinically normal cats. ANIMALS: 17 clinically normal adult cats. PROCEDURE: 3 ultrasonographic images of the liver and the right kidney were digitized from video output from each cat. Without changing the ultrasound machine settings, an image of a tissue-equivalent phantom was digitized. Biopsy specimens of the right renal cortex and liver were obtained for histologic examination. Mean pixel intensities within the region of interest (ROI) on hepatic, renal cortical, and tissue-equivalent phantom ultrasonographic images were determined by histogram analysis. From ultrasonographic images, mean pixel intensities for hepatic and renal cortical ROI were standardized by dividing each mean value by the mean pixel intensity from the tissue-equivalent phantom. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SD) standardized hepatic echogenicity value was 1.06 +/- 0.02 (95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.10). The mean standardized right renal cortical echogenicity value was 1.04 +/- 0.02 (95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.08). The mean combined standardized hepatic and renal cortical echogenicity value was 1.02 +/- 0.05 (95% confidence interval, 0.99 to 1.04). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Quantitative determination of hepatic and renal cortical echogenicity in cats is feasible, using histogram analysis, and may be useful for early detection of diffuse parenchymal disease and for serially evaluating disease progression.     

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.