Triplex doppler ultrassonography in prenatal of pregnant bitches

ABSTRACT

Background: The Dopplerfl uxometry is a diagnostic technique that provides anatomical information and real-time dynamictissue evaluation by determining the presence and direction of blood fl ow in a vessel and their hemodynamic features.Considering the importance of Doppler to pregnant women and the recent studies of vascular indices in pregnant animalsand the application of news technologies for Doppler ultrasonography as spectral and power techonology, the objective ofthis study was to determine the absolute values of the vascular indices from the uterine, umbilical and fetal aorta arteriesin pregnant bitches, using new techniques of doppler ultrassonography.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty six multiparous bitches from the same kennel, weighting 5 - 25 kg, aged 4 - 6 yearsold, were selected to the current study. Doppler ultrasonography was performed to assess the maximum and minimumvelocity, resistance and pulsatility indices of the uteroplacental, umbilical and fetal abdominal aorta arteries (5th, 6th, 7thand 8th gestational week). The mean pregnancy period in twenty six bitches was 60 days and the mean number of puppies per pregnancy was four. Twenty fi ve animals presented healthy pregnancies and one presented hydrallantois at the7th and 8th gestational week. During Doppler exams in healthy pregnant bitches, there were progressive increase in PSV(P 5%) but increased EDV (P < 5 %) in umbilical and fetal aorta and decreased PI and RI in the vessels evaluated (P < 5%). For the bicthe with hydrallantois was observed EDV = 3 cm / s, PI and RI of 1.82 to 1.46; PSV was 11 cm/s, EDV =2.1 c/ms, PI = 1.46 and RI = 0.76 at the 7th and 8th week of pregnancy, respectively, different values from those obtainedin healthy bitches...