Comparison of radiographic methods for detecting radiolucent uroliths in dogs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare positive cystography techniques at 5%, 10%, and 20%, as well as three different double-contrast protocols for detecting radiolucent uroliths with a diameter of less than 3.0 mm in dogs. Six cadavers were used, one was selected at random to represent the negative control, and the others were submitted to urolith implantation in the bladder by urethral catheter. Three radiology professionals blindly accessed ventrodorsal and -lateral projections of each test. Contrast at 20% showed greater diagnostic sensitivity, but with greater difficulty identifying the number and size of the uroliths. Consequently, double-contrast techniques are better and should be used for diagnostic and therapeutic planning. Sensitivity and specificity tests demonstrated that positive 5% cystography and different concentrations of double contrast obtained better results in terms of sensitivity and specificity. However, due to the presence of a greater amount of artifacts in the 5% cystography, it is suggested that double contrast is used for this purpose, especially with the removal of contrast excess (protocol 2).

Use of a morcellized fragment of bone as a bone graft in a femoral fracture repair / Uso de fragmento ósseo morcelizado como enxerto ósseo no reparo de fratura femoral

As one of the most frequent reasons for presentation at the orthopedic services in veterinary practice, long bone fractures need bone continuity for consolidation to take place. This case report has demonstrates the use of a morcellized fragment of bone as a bone graft in a femoral fracture with major bone loss. A mixed-breed adult cat with a segmental femoral fracture with a large longitudinal fissure in the central bone fragment was submitted to an interlocking nail osteosynthesis. During the procedure a fracture occurred along the fissure resulting in two bone fragments with significant bone loss. Fragments were morcellized and applied over the defect to act as a bone graft. By the 15th day after the surgery, the cat had a normal gait and showed no pain response, and bone consolidation occurred after 7 months. Once harvesting of humeral, femoral and tibial bone grafts can be frustrating in cats, resulting in just small amounts of bone, the morcellation of the central fragments was vital to provide sufficient graft to cover the big defect in the femoral shaft. The authors suggest that autologous fresh morcellized cortical bone fragments can be an adjunct to the treatment of comminuted fractures in cats, as an alternative to more traditional repairs of comminuted fracture.

Fraturas de ossos longos necessitam de continuidade óssea para que a consolidação ocorra. Este relato de caso tem como objetivo demonstrar o uso de um fragmento ósseo morcelizado com a função de enxerto ósseo em uma fratura de fêmur com presença de uma grande falha óssea entre os fragmentos. Um gato adulto, sem raça definida, com uma fratura múltipla em fêmur com presença de uma fissura longitudinal no fragmento central foi submetido à osteossíntese com uso de haste bloqueada. Durante o processo, ocorreu uma fragmentação a partir da fissura, o que resultou na presença de dois fragmentos ósseos com uma grande porção de perda óssea entre os dois. Os fragmentos ósseos restantes do fragmento central foram morcelizados e aplicados no defeito para atuar com enxerto ósseo. Quinze dias após a cirurgia o paciente apresentou apoio normal e ausência de dor, e consolidação óssea ocorreu em 7 meses pós operatórios. Uma vez que a coleta de enxerto nos gatos resulta em pouca quantidade de osso, a morcelização do fragmento central foi vital para promover enxerto suficiente para cobrir o defeito ósseo. Os autores sugerem que o uso de enxerto cortical autólogo fresco morcelizado pode ser um adjuvante no tratamento de fraturas cominutivas em gatos, como um tratamento alternativo à terapia convencional.

Use of a morcellized fragment of bone as a bone graft in a femoral fracture repair / Uso de fragmento ósseo morcelizado como enxerto ósseo no reparo de fratura femoral

As one of the most frequent reasons for presentation at the orthopedic services in veterinary practice, long bone fractures need bone continuity for consolidation to take place. This case report has demonstrates the use of a morcellized fragment of bone as a bone graft in a femoral fracture with major bone loss. A mixed-breed adult cat with a segmental femoral fracture with a large longitudinal fissure in the central bone fragment was submitted to an interlocking nail osteosynthesis. During the procedure a fracture occurred along the fissure resulting in two bone fragments with significant bone loss. Fragments were morcellized and applied over the defect to act as a bone graft. By the 15th day after the surgery, the cat had a normal gait and showed no pain response, and bone consolidation occurred after 7 months. Once harvesting of humeral, femoral and tibial bone grafts can be frustrating in cats, resulting in just small amounts of bone, the morcellation of the central fragments was vital to provide sufficient graft to cover the big defect in the femoral shaft. The authors suggest that autologous fresh morcellized cortical bone fragments can be an adjunct to the treatment of comminuted fractures in cats, as an alternative to more traditional repairs of comminuted fracture.

Fraturas de ossos longos necessitam de continuidade óssea para que a consolidação ocorra. Este relato de caso tem como objetivo demonstrar o uso de um fragmento ósseo morcelizado com a função de enxerto ósseo em uma fratura de fêmur com presença de uma grande falha óssea entre os fragmentos. Um gato adulto, sem raça definida, com uma fratura múltipla em fêmur com presença de uma fissura longitudinal no fragmento central foi submetido à osteossíntese com uso de haste bloqueada. Durante o processo, ocorreu uma fragmentação a partir da fissura, o que resultou na presença de dois fragmentos ósseos com uma grande porção de perda óssea entre os dois. Os fragmentos ósseos restantes do fragmento central foram morcelizados e aplicados no defeito para atuar com enxerto ósseo. Quinze dias após a cirurgia o paciente apresentou apoio normal e ausência de dor, e consolidação óssea ocorreu em 7 meses pós operatórios. Uma vez que a coleta de enxerto nos gatos resulta em pouca quantidade de osso, a morcelização do fragmento central foi vital para promover enxerto suficiente para cobrir o defeito ósseo. Os autores sugerem que o uso de enxerto cortical autólogo fresco morcelizado pode ser um adjuvante no tratamento de fraturas cominutivas em gatos, como um tratamento alternativo à terapia convencional.

Early results on canine fetal kidney development: Ultrasonographic evaluation and value in prediction of delivery time.

To date there have been no studies that describe the ultrasonographic evaluation of kidney development in canine fetuses. The aim of this prospective and longitudinal study was to monitor fetal kidney development with ultrasound and use fetal kidney measurements as a complementary biometric index for estimation of gestational age. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed on 15 clinically healthy pregnant bitches every four days from 30th day of pregnancy, until visualization of the fetal renal pelvis was no longer possible. Four distinct periods of ultrasonographic canine fetal kidney development were defined. Kidney length and renal pelvis distention were measured on longitudinal plane images. The fetal kidney ranged from 0.40 cm to 2.30 cm in length, and diameter of the pelvis ranged from 0.06 cm to 0.17 cm, however by the end of gestation the renal pelvis was no longer dilated and so its diameter could not be measured. Statistical analysis confirmed a relationship between gestational age and fetal kidney growth. Ultrasonographic evaluation of fetal kidney development is simple to perform. There is a strong correlation between gestational age and kidney length, which allowed generation of an equation to estimate delivery date with high sensitivity between 48 and 52 days of pregnancy. Fetal organ development can be considered complete when the renal pelvis is no longer dilated, this finding can assist the ultrasonographer in staging the gestation by prompting examination for fetal intestinal motility which begins at the same gestational age. Measurement of fetal kidney length can be used in conjunction with other methods to estimate gestational age and predict delivery time.

Intraoperative ultrasonography in nine dogs with intra-abdominal neoplasm suspect / Ultrassonografia intraoperatória em nove cães com suspeita de neoplasia intra-abdominal

ABSTRACT: Intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) is used in medicine for diagnosis and guidance during oncologic surgery. The aims of this study were to assess the performance, feasibility, advantages and difficulties of the IOUS technique in dogs with suspected intra-abdominal tumors. The study included nine client-owed dogs that had suspected intra-abdominal tumors (spleen, liver or bowel) based on transabdominal ultrasound examination and that were subsequently referred for exploratory laparotomy surgery. During surgery, IOUS was performed; results of preoperative transabdominal ultrasonography, inspection by the surgeon and IOUS were compared on a case-by-case basis. IOUS was helpful in determining lesion resection in all cases. Lesions detected solely by the use of IOUS were observed in seven out of nine cases. Analysis of these cases demonstrated that IOUS can be a tool to assist during oncology surgery on the liver, spleen or bowel. Dogs with hepatic tumors can have small non-palpable intraparenchymal nodules, which may be visible by IOUS.

RESUMO: A ultrassonografia intraoperatória (USIO) é usada na medicina como método de diagnóstico e orientação para procedimentos em cirurgia oncológica. Os objetivos desse estudo foram avaliar a performance, viabilidade, vantagens e dificuldades da técnica de USIO em cães com suspeita de neoplasia intra-abdominal. O estudo incluiu nove cães com suspeita de neoplasia intra-abdominal (baço, fígado ou intestino) baseada em exame ultrassonográfico transabdominal e que foram subsequentemente encaminhados para laparotomia exploratória. Durante o procedimento cirúrgico, a USIO foi realizada e os resultados da ultrassonografia transabdominal pré-operatória, inspeção e palpação realizada pelo cirurgião e USIO foram comparados com base em uma avaliação caso-a-caso. A USIO contribuiu para determinar a área de ressecção das lesões em todos os casos. Lesões detectadas somente pela USIO foram observadas em sete dos nove casos. A análise dos casos demostrou que a USIO pode auxiliar durante a cirurgia oncológica do fígado, baço e intestino. Cães com neoplasia hepática podem ter lesões pequenas intraparenquimatosas e não palpáveis pelo cirurgião, mas que podem ser verificadas pela USIO.

Assessment of umbilical artery flow and fetal heart rate to predict delivery time in bitches.

The aim of this study was to quantitatively investigate the oscillation of the fetal heart rate (HR) in advance of normal delivery and whether this index could be used to indicate impending delivery. In addition, fetal HR oscillation and umbilical artery resistive index (RI) were correlated to determine if the combination of these parameters provided a more accurate prediction of the time of delivery. Sonographic evaluation was performed in 11 pregnant bitches to evaluate the fetal HR and umbilical artery RI at the following antepartum times: 120 to 96 hours, 72 to 48 hours, 24 to 12 hours, and 12 to 1 hours. Statistical analysis indicated a correlation between the oscillation of fetal HR and the umbilical artery RI. As delivery approached a considerable reduction in the umbilical artery RI was documented and greater oscillations between maximum and minimum HRs occurred. We conclude that the quantitative analysis of fetal HR oscillations may be used to predict the time of delivery in bitches. The combination of fetal HR and umbilical artery RI together may provide more accurate predictions of time of delivery.

Effects of prostaglandin analogs on blood flow velocity and resistance in the ophthalmic artery of rabbits.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prostaglandin analogs on blood flow in the ophthalmic artery of clinically healthy rabbits. METHODS: Fifty-five clinically healthy New Zealand white rabbits were divided into six groups, and the left eyes were treated for four weeks with the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK) only or a topical formulation of different prostaglandin analogs (bimatoprost BAK, tafluprost BAK-free, travoprost BAK, travoprost POLYQUAD, and latanoprost BAK). Color Doppler imaging was performed before and after the treatments. The mean values of the peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity and the resistive index (RI) were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the differences pre- and post-treatment for each drug and post-treatment among the drugs. RESULTS: The prostaglandin analogs did not affect PSV. Bimatoprost BAK, travoprost POLYQUAD, and latanoprost BAK did not change RI. Tafluprost BAK-free and travoprost BAK therapy resulted in similar reductions in RI. No significant differences pre- and post-treatment were found when BAK was administered alone. CONCLUSION: The prostaglandin analogs tafluprost BAK-free and travoprost BAK improved blood flow in the ophthalmic artery in healthy New Zealand white rabbits, which suggests that these drugs enhance the prevention of the progression the progression of glaucoma.

Effects of prostaglandin analogs on blood flow velocity and resistance in the ophthalmic artery of rabbits / Efeitos dos análogos da prostaglandina na velocidade do fluxo sanguíneo e resistência na artéria oftálmica de coelhos

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prostaglandin analogs on blood flow in the ophthalmic artery of clinically healthy rabbits. Methods: Fifty-five clinically healthy New Zealand white rabbits were divided into six groups, and the left eyes were treated for four weeks with the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK) only or a topical formulation of different prostaglandin analogs (bimatoprost BAK, tafluprost BAK-free, travoprost BAK, travoprost POLYQUAD, and latanoprost BAK). Color Doppler imaging was performed before and after the treatments. The mean values of the peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity and the resistive index (RI) were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the differences pre- and post-treatment for each drug and post-treatment among the drugs. Results: The prostaglandin analogs did not affect PSV. Bimatoprost BAK, travoprost POLYQUAD, and latanoprost BAK did not change RI. Tafluprost BAK-free and travoprost BAK therapy resulted in similar reductions in RI. No significant differences pre- and post-treatment were found when BAK was administered alone. Conclusion: The prostaglandin analogs tafluprost BAK-free and travoprost BAK improved blood flow in the ophthalmic artery in healthy New Zealand white rabbits, which suggests that these drugs enhance the prevention of the progression the progression of glaucoma.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos dos análogos da prostaglandina (PGAs) no fluxo sanguíneo da artéria oftálmica em coelhos. Métodos: Cinquenta e cinco coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia clinicamente saudáveis foram divididos em seis grupos para tratamento com formulação tópica de diferentes APGs (bimatoprosta BAK, tafluprosta BAK-free, travoprosta BAK, travoprosta POLYQUAD e latanoprosta BAK) e formulações contendo apenas o conservante cloreto de benzalcônio (BAK). Foi realizada ultrassonografia com Doppler antes e após os tratamentos. Os valores do pico da velocidade sistólica (PSV) e da velocidade diastólica final foram obtidos e o índice de resistência (RI) foi então calculado. A análise estatística foi realizada para comparar as diferenças entre cada droga no pré e pós-tratamento, além das diferenças no pós-tratamento entre as drogas. Resultados: Estes colírios PGAs não afetaram o PSV. A bimatoprosta com o conservante BAK, travoprosta com o conservante POLYQUAD e latanoprosta com o conservante BAK não alteraram o RI. Já o tratamento com tafluprosta sem conservante (BAK-free) e travoprosta com o conservante BAK promoveram redução similar dos valores do RI. Não houve diferença significativa na comparação entre valores pré e pós-tratamento quando BAK foi administrado isoladamente. Conclusão: Os PGAs tafluprosta BAK-free e travoprosta BAK melhoraram o fluxo sanguíneo na artéria oftálmica em coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia sugerindo que estes medicamentos possam contribuir na prevenção da progressão do glaucoma.

Canine fetal echocardiography: correlations for the analysis of cardiac dimensions.

The aim of this study was to develop regression models for correlation of canine fetal heart development with body size to characterize normal development or suggest cardiac anomalies. Twenty clinically healthy pregnant bitches, either brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic, were examined ultrasonographically. Transabdominal fetal echocardiography was conducted every 4 days from the beginning of cardiac chambers differentiation until parturition. Ten cardiac parameters were measured: length, width and diameter of the heart; heart area; left and right ventricular dimensions; left and right atrial dimensions; and aortic and pulmonary artery diameter. Femoral length, biparietal diameter and abdominal cross-sectional area were also recorded. Regression equations were developed for each parameter of fetal body size, and linear and logarithmic models were compared. The model with the highest correlation coefficient was chosen to produce equations to calculate relative dimensions based on the correlations. Only the left-ventricular chamber differed between the two racial groups. Biparietal diameter was the independent parameter that produced the highest correlation coefficient for the most fetal cardiac dimensions, although good correlations were also observed using femoral length and abdominal cross-sectional area. Heart width and heart diameter were used as surrogates of cardiac development, as these measurements showed the best statistical correlation. Quantitative evaluation of fetal cardiac structures can be used to monitor normal and abnormal cardiac development.

The use of Doppler evaluation of the canine umbilical artery in prediction of delivery time and fetal distress.

The aim of this study was to describe changes in umbilical artery blood flow in the later stages of canine pregnancy. Seventeen pregnant bitches were examined sonographically to evaluate umbilical artery blood flow at the following antepartum times: 120-96, 96-72, 72-48, 48-24, 24-12, 12-6 and 6-1h. The peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity were measured to calculate the resistive index (RI). Bitches were classified into two groups according to delivery method: normal delivery (Group 1, n=11) and Cesarean section, due to fetal distress, (Group 2, n=6). During the study, the RI of the umbilical artery in bitches in Group 1 significantly declined in the time periods 72-48, 24-12, 12-6 and 6-1h before delivery when compared to the reference RI (120-96h antepartum period), with values ​​below 0.7 in the 12-6 and 6-1h periods. In Group 2, the RI decreased significantly in the antepartum periods 96-72, 72-48, 48-24h with respect to the period 120-96h, and increased in the periods from 24-12, 12-6 and 6-1h (being significantly higher in this last period) until the time of Cesarean section. Therefore monitoring of changes in umbilical artery RI in the pre-partum period may provide information about time of delivery in bitches and also assist in the diagnosis of possible dystocia and fetal distress.

Proven cardiac changes during death-feigning (tonic immobility) in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Tonic immobility (TI) is a response to fear or threat by remaining motionless, principally when attacked by predators from which there is no possibility of escape. Thus, here we demonstrate a way of easily reproducing this phenomenon in a laboratory setting and characterize the cardiac electromechanical alterations during TI. We observed a significant decrease in heart rate (HR) and changes of rhythm in electrocardiogram during TI in rabbits. Echocardiogram showed a significant increase in the left ventricle chamber diameter during systole and a consequent decrease in fractional shortening and ejection fraction, in addition to the HR and rhythm changes. There was also a significant decrease in aortic and pulmonary artery blood flow. Diastolic functional changes included a significant decrease of the peak atrial contraction velocity (A peak) and consequent increase in the ratio of peak early diastolic velocity to A peak and increased isovolumetric relaxation time. We were able to prove that TI changes the cardiac function considerably. Although the "fight-or-flight" response is the most common response to fear, which is characterized by the action of sympathetic nervous system with tachycardia and increased physical activity, TI is an alternative anti-predator behavior causing cardiac changes opposite to the "fight-or-flight" phenomenon.

Ultrasonographic examination in non-human primates with acute abdomen signs.

BACKGROUND: The acute abdomen is any abdominal disorder resulting in pain, shock, or sepsis. Although it has a multifactorial etiology, the primary cause is gastrointestinal tract pathology. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of abdominal ultrasound as a complementary diagnostic tool in non-human primates with an acute abdomen. METHODS: Three different non-human primates with clinical signs of acute abdomen were evaluated as follows: a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), a tufted capuchin (Cebus apella), and a black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata). RESULTS: Ultrasonographic examination assisted in the identification of a variety of differential diagnoses and was used in decision-making for exploratory laparotomy, which was performed in two animals. Ultrasound examination confirmed the source of the acute abdomen as the gastrointestinal tract in the three animals studied. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal ultrasound is a useful technique for the investigation of signs of acute abdomen in non-human primates.

Ultrassonografia abdominal pré-operatória em cães e gatos com suspeita de tumores abdominais / Preoperative Abdominal Ultrasonography in dogs and cats with suspected abdominal tumors

Objetivou-se com este estudo analisar a acurácia do exame ultrassonográfico na definição da origem de neoplasias abdominais e avaliar a eficiência da técnica em sugerir a malignidade do processo. Em 24 pacientes de 113 animais avaliados pelo exame ultrassonográfico, foi observado massa e/ou entremeado nodular em diferentes órgãos da cavidade abdominal, classificados em tipo I, II, II(+) e III. Compararam-se os achados ultrassonográficos com a cirurgia e o exame histopatológico. A determinação da origem da massa foi correta em 20 (83 por cento) animais. Pelos dados estatísticos de acurácia de 91,67 por cento obtidos, acredita-se que o exame ultrassonográfico é interessante para se determinar previamente a malignidade, principalmente naqueles pacientes que apresentam lesões agressivas.

The aim of this study was evaluate efficacy of the ultrassonographic exam in the defining the location of the abdominal neoplasm and to estimate the accuracy of the method in screening the malignant neoplasm process. In 24 patients of 113 animals evaluated by the ultrassonographic exam it was observed a mass and/or a intermingled nodule in different organs in the abdominal cave, classified as type I, II, II(+) e III. It was compared the sonographic findings with surgical and histopathological analysis. The determination of the mass origin was correct in 20 (83 percent) animals and the percentage accuracy of malignant ultrasound determination was 91.67 percent. So, it is believed that the ultrasound is interesting to determine the malignancy in advanced cases, especially in those patients who have aggressive lesions.

Anatomia ultrassonográfica dos linfonodos abdominais de furões europeus hígidos / Ultrasonographic anatomy of abdominal lymph nodes in the normal ferret

Nos últimos anos o furão (Mustela putorius furo) tornou-se um conhecido animal de estimação sendo observada uma população em constante crescimento no Brasil, e por conseqüência cada vez mais presente em clínicas veterinárias. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a anatomia ultrassonográfica dos linfonodos abdominais de furões-europeus hígidos. Foram utilizados 20 animais, dentre os quais nove eram machos e onze fêmeas, com idade média total de três anos. Localizaram-se em 100 por cento dos furões os linfonodos mesentéricos, em 55 por cento dos animais os linfonodos pancreático-duodenal e esplênico, em 20 por cento o linfonodo gástrico e em 5 por cento o linfonodo hepático. Conclui-se que a localização e características ultrassonográfica dos linfonodos abdominais em furões são muito similares aos linfonodos abdominais de gatos, sendo este estudo uma orientação preliminar para a localização dos linfonodos abdominais de furões hígidos.

In recent years the ferret (Mustela putorius furo) has become popular pet featuring a ever growing population in Brazil, and being increasingly found in veterinary clinics. This study aimed to evaluate the ultrasound anatomy of abdominal lymph nodes of healthy ferrets. We used 20 animals, nine of which males and eleven females, with overall mean age of three years. We located the mesenteric lymph nodes in 100 percent of the ferrets, the pancreatic-duodenal lymph nodes and the splenic ones in 55 percent, the gastric lymph node in 20 percent, and the hepatic lymph node in 5 percent. We measured their lengths. It is concluded that the location and sonographic characteristics of the abdominal lymph nodes in ferrets are very similar to the abdominal lymph nodes of cats. This is a preliminary orientation for the location of abdominal lymph nodes of healthy ferrets.

Educação à distância no ensino do diagnóstico por imagem em medicina veterinária: relato de experiência / Report of an experience using distance learning for diagnostic imaging teaching in veterinary medicine

Este trabalho trata-se do relato da implantação e do desenvolvimento do Curso de Diagnóstico por Imagem (radiologia e ultrassonografia) abdominal em animais de companhia. O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever a experiência da educação a distância (EaD como uma modalidade eficaz para proporcionar o ensino da subespecialidade) Diagnóstico por Imagem na medicina veterinária. Acredita-se que a EaD pode constituir-se em ferramenta pedagógica adequada para qualificar médicos veterinários que não têm acesso aos processos convencionais de pós-graduação, pois estão geograficamente dispersos ou mesmo não têm disponibilidade de afastar-se do seu cotidiano de vida profissional. Dessa forma, pode-se concluir que a referida técnica é uma estratégia pedagógica possível, confirmada pela certificação final em média de 70 por cento dos discentes participantes.

This study aims to report an experience of offering a course distance learning of small animal abdominal imaging diagnostic (radiology and ultrasonography). The purpose is to offer elements for a reflection on a conception distance education, as an efficient modality of education, aiming at enabling a teaching with quality to a determined clientele. Authors believe that distance learning is an adequate pedagogic tool to qualify veterinarians who have no access to traditional graduate studies, geographically disperse, who are unable to escape from the routine of their personal and professional lives; distance learning is an effective and possible pedagogical strategy, confirmed in the current case with final certification of 70 percent on average participators.

Avaliação ultrassonográfica do meato acústico em cães / Ultrasonographic evaluation of the external ear in dogs

O propósito deste trabalho foi determinar a viabilidade da ultrassonografia para avaliar o canal auditivo externo de cães, aferindo a espessura e arquitetura da parede do conduto auditivo e bula timpânica. Foram avaliados 10 cães da raça Retriever do Labrador não portadores de otite externa. O exame foi realizado com o aparelho de ultrassonografia bidimensional e transdutor linear de 14 MHz, com todos os animais sob efeito de anestesia geral. O exame foi efetivado antes e depois do conduto ser preenchido com solução salina, promovendo uma janela acústica anecóica. A artéria maxilar foi identificada com o Doppler colorido o que facilitou a localização da bula timpânica em todos os cães. A definição da imagem da parede proximal ao transdutor foi pior quando comparada à parede distal em todos os animais, isto devido à proximidade da parede com a face de leitura do transdutor. Nos cães que apresentavam uma maior quantidade de cerúmen a superfície do epitélio estava com uma camada hiperecóica mais evidente. A membrana timpânica não foi identificada em nenhum animal. Conclui-se que ultrassonografia é viável e deve ser mais pesquisada na contribuição diagnóstica das doenças óticas em cães.

The purpose of this study was to determine the viability of ultrasonographic evaluation of the external ear in dogs. The thickness and architecture of the ear wall and tympanic bulla of 10 Labrador Retrievers without ear disease was evaluated. The examination was performed with an ultrasound system and a 14 MHz bidimentional linear-array transducer and general anesthesia, before and after the infusion of saline solution into the ear canal. The maxillary artery was identified with color Doppler and helped to establish the location of the tympanic bulla in all dogs. The proximal wall was less well-defined when compared with the distal wall of the ear canal. Dogs with increased ceruminal content within the ear canal showed a hypoechoic epithelium. The tympanic membrane was not identified. It was concluded that ultrasound evaluation is feasible and needs to be explored as clinical diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of ear diseases in dogs.