Abdominal Ultrasonography in Domestic Species

Marr, Celia M (1989) Abdominal Ultrasonography in Domestic Species. MVM(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the use of abdominal ultrasonography in small animals and horses presented at Glasgow University Veterinary School for investigation of abdominal disease and to assess the application of ultrasonography in ovine, canine and feline pregnancy. Initially, the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the liver and spleen were determined by examination of four dogs, six horses and two cats. The appearance of these organs was found to be consistent within and across the species. The most suitable anatomical sites from which these structures could be imaged in these species and the most appropriate equipment were also determined in this study. Twenty-seven dogs and three cats were selected for hepatic ultrasonography and the clinical, radiographic and laboratory indications for the procedure were considered. In twelve out of the thirteen cases of confirmed hepatic disease ultrasonographic abnormalities were detected and these were subsequently compared with the findings at postmortem examination or exploratory laparotomy in the majority of the cases. Twenty dogs and one horse were selected for splenic ultrasonography and in four of these abnormalities were detected. The indications and final diagnoses were reviewed to evaluate the merits and limitations of this procedure. An experiment was designed to determine the accuracy of ultrasonographic estimation of ovine foetal number and to compare the results of inexperienced and experienced operators at various stages of gestation. The optimum efficiency was obtained by ultrasonographic examination at, or around, day 60 of gestation and considerable improvement was observed during the training period of the inexperienced operator. The efficiency of ultrasonographic determination of pregnancy and estimation of foetal numbers in bitches and queens was evaluated by examination of thirty-six bitches and four cats referred to this hospital. Sensitivity of pregnancy diagnosis was 100% but the sensitivity of estimation of foetal number was found to vary with the stage of gestation and the litter size. The most sensitive estimations were obtained in medium sized litters (four to eight foetuses) at days 37 to 43 of gestation. Two methods of estimation of ovine foetal age were developed which were based on ultrasonographic measurement of biparietal and transthoracic diameters, but the estimated age range obtained with these methods was wide. Nine dogs were selected for prostatic ultrasonography. In all of these cases there were clinical signs referrable to the prostate and prostatic disease was subsequently confirmed. Ultrasonographic abnormalities were detected in all of these cases.

• Item Type: Thesis (MVM(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Keywords: Veterinary science
• Date of Award: 1989
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1989-77787
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 14 Jan 2020 11:53
• Last Modified: 14 Jan 2020 11:53
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/77787