Radiological, histological and clinical side effects of incisor trimming in rabbits.

INTRODUCTION: Incisor malocclusion in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a common clinical problem seen in general practice. Given that the growth rate is about 2 mm per week, a lack of wear quickly leads to feeding difficulties and soft tissue injuries. Therefore, pathologically elongated incisors must be shortened every three to six weeks. The goal of this study was to assess the potential adverse effects on dental and periodontal tissues associated with the three most commonly used trimming methods: nail cutter, diamond-coated cutting disc and diamond burr. The left mandibular incisor of 28 healthy New Zealand rabbits was subjected to four trimmings with one of the three cutting methods. After the fattening period, the mandibles were collected and both mandibular incisors were investigated on dental radiographs, micro-computed tomography scans and histological sections. Dental and periodontal tissue changes were evaluated. This study allowed a more accurate statement of the potential short-term adverse effects of the three trimming methods. At the clinical level, the nail cutter caused the formation of an irregular occlusal surface with sharp edges. Both engine-drive methods allowed the attainment of a smooth surface but the disc was less accurate. Histological evaluation revealed that the primary modifications, including coronal fractures, periodontal ligament widening and inflammation, reparative osteodentine, paracementosis and biofilm accumulation, were found in the nail cutter group.

INTRODUCTION: La malocclusion des incisives chez le lapin (Oryctolagus cuniculus) est un problème clinique courant en médecine générale. Étant donné que le taux de croissance est d'environ 2 mm par semaine, un manque d'usure entraîne rapidement des difficultés d'alimentation et des lésions des tissus mous. Par conséquent, les incisives pathologiquement trop longues doivent être raccourcies toutes les trois à six semaines. L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer les effets négatifs potentiels sur les tissus dentaires et parodontaux associés aux trois méthodes de taille les plus couramment utilisées: le coupeongles, le disque de coupe diamanté et la fraise diamantée. L'incisive mandibulaire gauche de 28 lapins néo-zélandais en bonne santé a été soumise à quatre tailles avec l'une des trois méthodes de coupe. Après la période d'engraissement, les mandibules ont été prélevées et les deux incisives mandibulaires ont été examinées sur des radiographies dentaires, des examens micro-tomodensitométriques et des coupes histologiques. Les modifications des tissus dentaires et parodontaux ont été évaluées. Cette étude a permis de mieux cerner les effets indésirables potentiels à court terme des trois méthodes de coupe. Au niveau clinique, le coupe-ongles a entraîné la formation d'une surface occlusale irrégulière avec des bords tranchants. Les deux autres méthodes de taille permettent d'obtenir une surface lisse, mais le disque est moins précis. L'évaluation histologique a révélé que les modifications primaires, y compris les fractures coronaires, l'élargissement et l'inflammation du ligament parodontal, l'ostéodentine réparatrice, la paracémentose et l'accumulation de biofilm, ont été trouvées dans le groupe coupe-ongles.

[Comparison of the reoperation rates of three techniques for tibial tuberosity transposition in medial patellar dislocation]. / Vergleich der Reoperationsraten von drei Techniken zur Fixation der bei medialer Patellaluxation transponierten Tuberositas tibiae.

INTRODUCTION: A common technique for the treatment of medial patellar luxation is the lateral transposition of the tibial tuberosity. Two variations of a new surgical method with a retention plate and fixation with a wire or a security plate, were tested against each other and against the existing fixation with Kirschner wires and a tension band by the number of reoperations. The new method using a retention plate and security plate showed the lowest rate of reoperations (5 %), followed by the new technique using retention plate and wire (14 %) and the existing fixation with Kirschner wires and a tension band (34 %). A possible explanation for the good result of the new method can be the fixation of the implants on the medial side of the tibia and the non-use of Kirschner wires.

INTRODUCTION: La transposition latérale de la tubérosité tibiale est une technique courante pour le traitement de la luxation rotulienne médiale. Deux variantes d'une nouvelle méthode chirurgicale avec une plaque de rétention et une fixation avec un fil métallique respectivement un étrier en titane ont été testées l'une par rapport à l'autre et par rapport à la fixation usuelle avec des broches de Kirschner et un haubanage en fonction du nombre de réopérations. La nouvelle méthode utilisant une plaque de rétention et un étrier a montré le taux le plus bas de réopérations (5 %), suivie par la nouvelle technique utilisant une plaque de rétention et une broche (14 %) et la fixation usuelle avec des broches de Kirschner et un haubanage (34 %). Le bon résultat de la nouvelle méthode peut s'expliquer par la fixation des implants sur la face médiale du tibia et la non-utilisation de broches de Kirschner.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in a minipig model: Parameters for developing a macroscopic, radiological, and microscopic grading scheme.

OBJECTIVES: To devise a macroscopic, radiological, and histological scale for assessing pathological changes associated with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in a minipig model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw was induced in Göttingen minipigs by weekly intravenous administration of bisphosphonate (zoledronic acid) combined with a tooth extraction procedure. Controls either did not receive zoledronic acid or did not undergo tooth extraction. After 20 weeks, minipigs were euthanized and underwent computed tomography and micro-computed tomography scanning. The mandible underwent additional histological examination. RESULTS: The most consistent macroscopic findings in animals that had developed bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) were necrotic, denuded bone, and formation of fistula and pus. Under radiological examination, impaired extraction socket healing, decrease in attenuation of bone beneath the extraction site, and periosteal reaction were observed. Under histological examination, demineralization of the extracellular bone matrix, denuding of bone, and osteonecrosis were recorded. CONCLUSION: These parameters were used to develop a scoring system for grading BRONJ.

Whole-heart 4D flow cardiac magnetic resonance in healthy dogs.

INTRODUCTION: In cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), accurate flow measurements rely on perpendicular plane-alignment with flow direction. For 2D phase contrast (PC) cardiac magnetic resonance measurements, planes have to be defined during the examination of the heart, which is time consuming and error-prone. Collection of flow information of the entire volume of the heart by a 4D flow CMR postpones plane alignment to post-processing. Sampling of such a large amount of data requires acceleration of data acquisition with techniques such as SENSitivity Encoding (k-t SENSE) or Broad-use Linear Acquisition Speed-up Technique (k-t BLAST). Objectives of the study were to compare 4D flow CMR, accelerated with two different acceleration methods with the established 2D PC CMR based on assessment of stroke volume at all four cardiac valves. The values of stroke volume acquired with the 4D flow CMR SENSE did not differ significantly when compared to the 2D PC CMR SENSE at the left side of the heart (aortic and mitral valve). Significant differences between the techniques were seen at the pulmonic and tricuspid valves. Acceleration with k-t BLAST revealed significantly lower values of stroke volume at all cardiac valves, except at the mitral valve.

INTRODUCTION: Lors d'examens cardiaques par résonnance magnétique (CMR), le plan pour des mesures de flux précises doit être défini perpendiculairement à la direction de flux sanguin. Dans la CMR en contraste de phases 2D (PC), le choix de ce plan se fait durant l'examen, ce qui prend du temps et peut être sujet à des problèmes. Avec la mesure de toutes les données relatives au flux sanguin dans l'ensemble du coeur au moyen d'un 4D flow CMR, on déplace le moment de ce choix dans la phase de traitement des données. La collecte d'une quantité aussi élevée de données nécessite une accélération de la technique de mesures comme par exemple SENSitivity Encoding (k-t SENSE) ou Broad-use Linear Acquisition Speed-up Technique (k-t BLAST). Le but de cette étude était de comparer la CMR 4D, accélérée avec deux méthodes différentes avec la CMR 2D bien établie, ceci sur la base de la détermination du volume d'éjection systolique au niveau des quatre valvules cardiaques. Les valeurs du volume d'éjection pour le coeur gauche (valvules aortiques et mitrales) obtenues par 4D flow CMR k-t SENSE n'étaient pas significativement différentes de celles obtenues par 2D PC CMR k-t SENSE. Par contre, des différences significatives entre les deux techniques étaient constatées au niveau des valvules pulmonaires et tricuspid. L'accélération par k-t-BLAST donnait de façon générale des valeurs du volume d'élection plus basses au niveau de toutes les valvules, à l'exception de la valvule mitrale.

Femoral osteochondroplasty can be performed effectively without the risk of avascular necrosis or femoral neck fractures in an experimental ovine FAI model.

OBJECTIVE: The experimental induction of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in sheep is established. To tap the full potential of this ovine model, one should be able to perform a femoral osteochondroplasty safely. This study was based on previous cadaver experiments on the blood supply to the ovine femoral head and on the biomechanical strength of the proximal femur following offset creation. We hypothesized that offset creation in this ovine FAI model does not lead to (1) avascular necrosis (AVN) of the ovine femoral head or (2) iatrogenic femoral neck fractures and (3) can be performed effectively. DESIGN: In this experimental, controlled, prospective study nine sheep underwent unilateral FAI induction through an intertrochanteric, varus osteotomy. Seventy days following FAI induction, femoral osteochondroplasty was performed. Sheep were sacrificed after another 140 days. Radiographs, computed tomography (CT) scans and MRI were acquired. Histologic samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. (1) The multimodal Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) classification was used for assessment of AVN. (2) Femoral neck fractures were assessed with the multimodal imaging approach. (3) Pre- and postoperative (=after sacrifice) alpha angles and femoral neck diameters were compared. RESULTS: (1) No signs for AVN according to the ARCO classification or (2) for femoral neck fractures were detected. (3) Mean alpha angles and femoral neck diameters decreased significantly (p < 0.001) superiorly by at least 30° respectively 4 mm after the offset creation. CONCLUSIONS: Femoral osteochondroplasty can be performed effectively and without the risk of AVN or femoral neck fractures in this ovine FAI model.

Comparison of Clinical and Pathological Diagnoses in Cats and Dogs.

The comparison of clinical ante-mortem and pathological post-mortem diagnoses is a prerequisite for quality control, but is rarely done in veterinary medicine. This study reports the occurrence and concurrence of clinical and pathological diagnoses linked to death in 1,000 cats and 1,000 dogs examined and subjected to necropsy examination at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. Potential factors influencing the correlation between diagnoses were examined retrospectively. In 5.8% of cats and 5.2% of dogs no diagnosis was made; in 2.6% and 3.8% of cases only a clinical, and in 17.8% and 11.2%, respectively, only a pathological diagnosis was available. Of the 73.8% of cats and 79.8% of dogs with both diagnoses present, 38.3% and 36.2% were in agreement, while there was disagreement in 17.9% and 16.0%, respectively. The remaining cases (43.8% and 47.8%) had different levels of further diagnostic procedures following necropsy examination. In both species, the manner of death, the clinical discipline submitting the animal for necropsy examination and the quality of the necropsy submission request, as well as the timespan between death and necropsy examination in dogs, proved to influence the concurrence between diagnoses. In contrast, the organ system affected and the type of disease entity were, for both species, the most influential factors in the concurrence of diagnoses. Therefore, in veterinary medicine, even in times of improving diagnostic abilities, necropsy examination still reveals important information for quality control and education.

Prevalence of humeral head osteochondrosis in the Greater Swiss Mountain dog and the Border Collie in Switzerland.

INTRODUCTION: Osteochondrosis (OC) is common in large-breed dogs. According to the breeding guidelines of the Swiss kennel clubs, the shoulder joints are included in the radiographic screening for joint diseases in the Greater Swiss Mountain dog (GSMD) and the Border Collie (BC) since 1993 and 2003, respectively. The aim of this study was to estimate the overall prevalence of humeral head OC in these 2 breeds in Switzerland based on the data of the Swiss National Dysplasia Committees. All radiographs were re-evaluated to assess single radiographic changes. From 1993 and 2003, accordingly, until 2013, the overall prevalence was 14% for the GSMD and 8% for the BC, respectively. Affected joints showed a focally reduced opacity or a flattened/indented contour of the caudal section of the humeral head. Articular flaps were only seen occasionally. Degenerative joint disease was significantly more common in OC affected joints (GSMD: 32%; BC: 20%) than in joints without OC. The present study is the first report on the prevalence of humeral head OC in a large cohort of GSMD and the BC over a long study period. In comparison to other breeds, the herein reported prevalences are in the mid to upper range. Results of the present study should alert veterinarians to the disease in these breeds and may serve as a starting point for further epidemiological and genetic studies.

INTRODUCTION: L'ostéochondrose (OC) est fréquente chez les chiens de grande race. Conformément aux prescriptions d'élevage des clubs cynologiques suisses, l'articulation de l'épaule est incluse dans le dépistage radiologique des affections articulaires chez le Grand bouvier suisse (GBS) et le Border Collie (BC) et ceci depuis 1993 respectivement 2003. Le but de la présente étude était d'estimer la prévalence de l'OC de la tête humérale chez ces deux races en Suisse, sur la base des données des commissions nationales suisses de dysplasie. Toutes les radiographies ont été réévaluées pour repérer des altérations radiologiques isolées. Depuis 1993 respectivement 2003 jusqu'en 2013, la prévalence était de 14% chez le GBC et de 8% chez le BC. Les articulations affectées montraient une opacité localement réduite ou un contour aplati/ dentelé de la partie caudale de la tête humérale. Des souris articulaires n'étaient constatées qu'occasionnellement. Les affections articulaires dégénératives étaient significativement plus fréquentes sur les articulations affectées d'OC que sur les autres (GBS: 32%; BC: 20%). La présente étude rapporte pour la première fois la prévalence de l'OC de la tête humérale sur une large cohorte de GBS et de BC sur une longue période. En comparaison avec d'autres races, les prévalences constatées se situent entre la moyenne et le niveau supérieur. Les résultats de cette étude doivent alerter les vétérinaires au sujet de cette affection chez ces races et peut server de pont de départ pour de futures recherches épidémiologiques et génétiques.

Radiographic Measurement of Hindlimb Digit Length in Standing Heifers.

The digital skeleton of the hindlimbs was evaluated radiographically in 27 standing Brown Swiss heifers. The lateral digital skeleton was significantly longer than its medial counterpart on both a hard (wooden block) and a softer (wooden block covered with a thin rubber mat) surface. There were no significant differences between lengths measured on the hard and the soft surface. The difference between the length of the lateral and medial digits originated at the level of the condyles and increased with P1 and P2. It was partially compensated by a higher third phalanx (P3) in the medial digit, but this did not offset the overall length difference. The findings of this study confirmed that the length asymmetry of the paired digits of cattle documented previously in post-mortem specimens is also present in living cattle. Further investigation is required to determine the clinical relevance of the length asymmetry of the digital skeleton in cattle.

Urinary and plasma catecholamines and metanephrines in dogs with pheochromocytoma, hypercortisolism, nonadrenal disease and in healthy dogs.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma (PC) is based on a combination of clinical suspicion, finding an adrenal mass, increased plasma, and urine concentrations of catecholamine metabolites and is finally confirmed with histopathology. In human medicine, it is controversial whether biochemically testing plasma is superior to testing urine. OBJECTIVES: To measure urinary and plasma catecholamines and metanephrines in healthy dogs, dogs with PC, hypercortisolism (HC), and nonadrenal diseases (NAD) and to determine the test with the best diagnostic performance for dogs with PC. ANIMALS: Seven PC dogs, 10 dogs with HC, 14 dogs with NAD, 10 healthy dogs. METHODS: Prospective diagnostic clinical study. Urine and heparin plasma samples were collected and stored at -80°C before analysis using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrochemical detection or tandem mass spectrometry were performed. Urinary variables were expressed as ratios to urinary creatinine concentration. RESULTS: Dogs with PC had significantly higher urinary normetanephrine and metanephrine:creatinine ratios and significantly higher plasma-total and free normetanephrine and plasma-free metanephrine concentrations compared to the 3 other groups. There were no overlapping results of urinary normetanephrine concentrations between PC and all other groups, and only one PC dog with a plasma normetanephrine concentration in the range of the dogs with HC and NAD disease. Performances of total and free plasma variables were similar. Overlap of epinephrine and norepinephrine results between the groups was large with both urine and plasma. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Measurement of normetanephrine is the preferred biochemical test for PC and urine was superior to plasma.

Tooth length and incisal wear and growth in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) fed diets of different abrasiveness.

Dental diseases are among the most important reasons for presenting guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) and other rodents to veterinary clinics, but the aetiopathology of this disease complex is unclear. Clinicians tend to believe that the ever-growing teeth of rabbits and rodents have a constant growth that needs to be worn down by the mastication of an appropriate diet. In this study, we tested the effect of four different pelleted diets of increasing abrasiveness [due to both internal (phytoliths) and external abrasives (sand)] or whole grass hay fed for 2 weeks each in random order to 16 guinea pigs on incisor growth and wear, and tooth length of incisors and cheek teeth. There was a positive correlation between wear and growth of incisors. Tooth lengths depended both on internal and external abrasives, but only upper incisors were additionally affected by the feeding of whole hay. Diet effects were most prominent in anterior cheek teeth, in particular M1 and m1. Cheek tooth angle did not become shallower with decreasing diet abrasiveness, suggesting that a lack of dietary abrasiveness does not cause the typical 'bridge formation' of anterior cheek teeth frequently observed in guinea pigs. The findings suggest that other factors than diet abrasiveness, such as mineral imbalances and in particular hereditary malocclusion, are more likely causes for dental problems observed in this species.

[Spina bifida aperta in a sheep lamb]. / Spina bifida aperta bei einem Schaflamm.

The case report describes the symptoms and diagnostic methods of a spina bifida aperta in a new born lamb. The most relevant clinical findings were recumbency immediately after birth with normal consciousness and suckling reflexes, alterations of the skin and coat in the lumbosacral region as well as dysuria. The biochemical and haematological screening of the blood indicated no abnormalities. While the radiological examination of the spine showed no clear evidence of the cause of the clinical sings the ultrasound and computed tomography examination revealed an incomplete closure of the vertebral arch between the 4th lumbar and the 3rd sacral vertebrae. Additionally, a hernia with similar density to the spinal cord was present in the same region of the spine. Based on the findings the lamb was euthanized. The pathological examination confirmed the incomplete closure of the vertebral arch and moreover a myelomeningocele has been diagnosed. In the histopathological examination the white and grey matter were separated in the area of the macroscopic visible lesions. Due to non-specific clinical symptoms imagining diagnostics can be crucial to confirm the diagnosis of this rare syndrome.

Does real-time elastography aid in differentiating canine splenic nodules?

Real-time elastography is a new ultrasonographic technology for measurement of tissue elasticity. Malignant lesions in the human breast, prostate, thyroid and lymph nodes show significantly reduced elasticity. The present study investigated the use of real-time elastography in the spleen of 22 dogs (8 benign and 6 malignant nodules, and 8 normal spleens) and results were compared to contrast-enhanced ultrasound findings. In summary, real-time elastography was neither able to differentiate benign from malignant splenic lesions, nor normal from diseased splenic tissue. No significant associations with contrast-enhanced ultrasound results were found. Real-time elastography, therefore, does not appear a useful tool for the differentiation of splenic nodules in the dog.

L'élastographie en temps réel est une nouvelle technique d'échographie qui permet de déterminer l'élasticité tissulaire. Chez l'homme, les nodules malins dans le sein, la prostate, la thyroïde et les ganglions lymphatiques présentent une élasticité significativement réduite. Dans la présente étude, on a utilisé l'élastographie en temps réel de la rate chez 22 chiens (8 nodules bénins et 6 malins, 8 rates normales). Les nodules bénins n'ont pas pu être différenciés des malins, ni le tissu splénique modifié du tissu normal. Les résultats n'étaient pas corrélés avec ceux de l'échographie renforcée par un moyen de contraste. Il ne semble donc pas que l'élastographie en temps réel permette la différenciation des nodules spléniques chez le chien.

Repair of a canine patellar ligament rupture using the ComPact UniLock 2.4/3.0 mm System.

An 11-year old, female, Mix Breed dog was presented after being hit by a car with a rupture of the left patellar ligament. Due to a suspected wound infection close to the stifle joint, surgical repair was delayed for 10 days. The ruptured ligament was sutured and augmented with fascia lata. Additionally, two ComPact UniLock 2.4/3.0 mm plates connected with 1.0 mm orthopaedic wire were used to protect the primary repair. No immobilization of the stifle joint was needed. The implants were removed after 7 weeks, because of suspected infection and loosening. The successful utilization of an alternative surgical technique for the repair of the patellar ligament rupture in the dog has also been documented by pre- and post-operative temporal-spatial gait analysis (GaitFour®).

Feasibility and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of the pancreas in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has proven a useful and safe diagnostic tool for assessing pancreatic disease in human medicine. No information about pancreatic EUS-FNA is available in dogs. OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility and safety of pancreatic EUS-FNA in healthy dogs. ANIMALS: Thirteen beagles with a median body weight of 13.4 kg. METHODS: Experimental study. An ultrasound endoscope (insertion tube outer diameter 11.8 mm) was used, and FNA was carried out with 19 G needles. The optimal puncture site was chosen with the aid of Doppler imaging. Complete clinicopathologic assessments including pain scoring and pancreas-specific lipase measurements were obtained before EUS as well as on day 1 and day 2 after EUS-FNA. RESULTS: The pancreatic body was identified in all dogs, the left lobe was clearly identified in 9/13 and appeared indistinctly marginated in 4/13 dogs, and the distal third of the right lobe could not be identified in 7/13 dogs. EUS-FNA was carried out in 12/13 dogs. Cellularity of smears was adequate for evaluation in 8/12 cases, in which samples were obtained transgastrically (n = 4) or transduodenally (n = 4). All dogs recovered uneventfully and no clinical and laboratory abnormalities occurred during the 48 hour monitoring period after the procedure. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although the healthy canine pancreas is difficult to visualize in its entirety with EUS, pancreatic EUS-FNA with a 19 G needle is feasible in medium-sized dogs and can be considered a safe procedure. Its diagnostic usefulness should be evaluated in dogs with pancreatic disease.

[Clinical application of computed tomography in cattle]. / Klinische Anwendung der Computertomographiebeim Rind.

Computed tomography involves the use of x-rays to produce cross-sectional images of body regions. It provides non-overlapping, two-dimensional images of all desired planes as well as three-dimensional reconstruction of regions of interest. There are few reports on the clinical use of computed tomography in farm animals. Its use in cattle is limited by high cost, the application of off-label drugs and the need for general anaesthesia. In cattle computed tomography is indicated primarily for diseases of the head, e.g. dental diseases and otitis media, and neurological disorders. Less often it is used for diseases of the vertebrae and limbs. In valuable cattle, the results of computed tomography can be an important part of preoperative planning or be used to avoid unnecessary surgery when the prognosis is poor.

The use of computed tomography in the diagnosis of pelvic fractures involving the acetabulum in two fillies.

Two fillies with hindlimb lameness and a tentative diagnosis of a pelvic fracture involving the acetabulum were examined using computed tomography (CT). The use of CT for these two cases revealed the exact course of the fractures and fissures, as well as the size and position of fragments, thus allowing for definitive diagnosis.

Extranodal B-cell lymphoma in the urinary bladder with cytological evidence of concurrent involvement of the gall bladder in a cat.

A 15-year-old domestic shorthair cat was presented with severe haematuria, stranguria, anorexia and lethargy of 10 days' duration. Physical examination revealed a large painful urinary bladder and pain in the cranial abdomen. Abdominal ultrasound revealed severe generalised mural thickening of both the gall bladder and the urinary bladder. Lymphoma was diagnosed on cytology of urine sediment and fine-needle aspirates of the gall bladder. Despite a transitory clinical improvement and partial remission following chemotherapy, the cat was euthanased six weeks after initial presentation due to recurrent clinical signs. Post-mortem examination confirmed a B-cell lymphoma in the urinary bladder. This report is the first description of gall bladder and bladder lymphoma in a cat.

Influence of food composition on splanchnic blood flow during digestion in unsedated normal dogs: a Doppler study.

The effect of dietary components in gastrointestinal blood flow was investigated non-invasively in dogs. Doppler ultrasound (US) waveform analysis of the celiac artery (CA) and the cranial mesenteric artery (CMA) of eight healthy dogs was performed both in the fasting state and at 20, 40, 60 and 90 min after feeding maintenance, high protein, high carbohydrate and high fat diets. Resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI) and the percentage differences between measurements were calculated. In fasted dogs, the CA showed significantly (p<0.05) lower resistance than the CMA. With all diets, post-prandial RI and PI values decreased significantly in both vessels (CA: RI=-12-13%; PI=-25-29%; CMA: RI=-13-15%; PI=-27-29% [p<0.05]), and in all cases significantly earlier in the CA than in the CMA (p<0.05). With all diets except high fat the maximum decrease in RI and PI was reached in the CA at 40 min and in the CMA at 60 min. High fat diets were unique in that the maximum decrease in RI and PI in the CMA occurred earlier (at 20 min) and values were slower to return to normal (p<0.05). We conclude that Doppler US can be used in dogs to quantify significant differences in the response of splanchnic blood flow to different dietary components.