ADRENAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE DOG

The ultrasonographic appearance of the normal canine adrenal gland has not been described. This is due to the small size and shape of the canine adrenal glands, overlying abdominal viscera, similar acoustic texture to that of the surrounding tissue, frequent abundant perirenal fat, and the lack of patient compliance. Adrenal enlargement in association with hyperadrenocorticism, secondary to hyperplasia or neoplasia, can sometimes be identified by finding a distinct structure cranial and/or medial to the cranial pole of either kidney. Case history reports are used to characterize the appearance of adrenal enlargement from hyperplasia and adrenocortical adenocarcinoma. Additional case history reports are included to illustrate possible interpretation problems. Lack of ultrasonographic visualization of the adrenal gland does not rule out the possibility of enlargement, particularly if the enlargement in mild.