Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of gastrointestinal hemodynamics in food hypersensitivities: a canine model

Chronic enteropathy due to food hypersensitivity is a common complaint in dogs and humans, and definitive diagnosis and identification of offending allergens remains challenging. Doppler waveform analysis of the celiac artery (CA) and the cranial mesenteric artery (CMA) of 8 dogs with proven food hypersensitivity was performed in the fasting state and at 20, 40, 60, and 90 minutes after feeding their regular daily diet, and at 2 and 4 days after feeding 4 different allergens. Resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), and the percentage differences between these measurements were calculated and compared statistically. The maximal decrease in RI and PI after feeding the regular diet was reached at 40 minutes after ingestion in both vessels (CA: RI = -6%, PI = -23%; CMA: RI = -9%, PI = -30%). After this trough, the resistance in both vessels rose nearly to baseline after 90 minutes (CA: RI = -1%, PI = -13%; CMA: RI = -3%, PI = -14%). When fed an allergen-containing meal the percentage changes at the trough were significantly greater (CA: RI = -10%, PI = -32%; CMA: RI = - 14%, PI = -40 %; p < 0.05) compared to those seen after feeding the maintenance diet. Also, RI and PI values were significantly (P < .05) lower at 90 minutes on days 2 and 4 of the challenge period. During the challenge period, dogs did not show overt signs of gastrointestinal disease. Significant postprandial hemodynamic alterations in response to food allergens in dogs with food hypersensitivities can be shown noninvasively with Doppler ultrasound.