Applications of ultrasonography in ruminants (I): A Review.


Published: Mar 22, 2018
Keywords:
Ultrasonography small ruminants bovine
LJ LAZARIDIS
EA KIOSSIS
Abstract

In the middle of 1960s ultrasonography entered the veterinary clinical practice of large animals, almost one decade after the introduction in medicine. First ultrasonography was used to approach problems of the ovine genital system. Overtime, new applications were developed and the use of ultrasonography in large animal medicine was intensified. In the everyday veterinary clinical practice B-mode ultrasonographic devices are mainly used, with simple or convex linear array probes, with a frequency of 3.0 MHz to 7.5 MHz, while sector probes are also used. The adequate knowledge of the anatomy of the region, the appropriate restraint of the animal and a previous good clinical examination are the main prerequisites to conduct an ultrasonographic examination. In ruminants ultrasonographic examination can be applied in mainy systems. In respiratory system ultrasonography is used to evaluate the general condition of the thoracic cavity, with main diagnosticai applications in pulmonary emphysema, bronchopneumonia and aspiration pneumonia. In cardiovascular system ultrasonography contributes efficiently to the examination of the heart and the vessels. Doppler devices offer the opportunity of better estimation of some blood parameters. In the last two decades the use of ultrasonography has been propagated widely to approach problems associated to the digestive system of the ruminants and to evaluate the general condition of their peritoneal cavity. Ultrasonography is a very useful diagnostic tool to evaluate traumatic reticuloperitonitis and distension of the cecum. In cattle ultrasonographic examination of some organs, such as liver, spleen and pancreas, offers an opportunity to estimate changes in their size, contour and their position in the abdomen comparatively to their adjacent organs. Changes in the normal echotexture image are in most cases a sign of pathological conditions. Ultrasonography is useful in calves for the estimation of the condition of their umbilicus. At their first week of life, contributes to confront better some conditions such as omphalophlebitis, omphaloarteritis and omphalolourachitis. In the ruminants' urinarysystem ultrasonography is used to approach cases of urolithiasis along to the deferent section, cases with rupture of the urinary tract or cases with the presence of a mass. Application of ultrasonography in the bovine's musculoskeletal system, which has been researched thoroughly at the last two decades, offers an opportunity to image in a better way the joints which are covered by huge muscles. The anatomical and tissue function can be estimated in real time and the general condition of the animal can be evaluated. New advantages of ultrasonography are being researched, with main purpose the use of this technology as much as possible. Ultrasonography is a very effective imaging means in the service of the clinical veterinarian, which offers him the opportunity to examine in real time the area he desires in ruminants, but it doesn't replace the clinical examination.

Article Details
  • Section
  • Review Articles
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
References
Acorda J.A., Yamada Η., Chamsari S.M. (1994) "Ultrasonographic features of diffuse hepatocellular disorders in dairy cattle." Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 35(3): 196-200.
Altenbrunner-Martinek B., Grubelnik M., Kofler J. (2007) "Ultrasonographic examination of important aspects of the bovine shoulder - physiological findings." The Veterinary Journal 173:317-324.
Braun U. (1990). "Ultrasonographic examination of the liver in cows." American Journal of Veterinary Research 51(10): 1522-1526.
Braun U. (2003). "Ultrasonography in gastrointestinal disease in cattle." The Veterinary Journal 166:112-124.
Braun U. (2008a). "Clinical findings and diagnosis of thrombosis of the caudal vena cava in cattle." The Veterinary Journal 175:118-125.
Braun U. (2008b). "Traumatic pericarditis in cattle: Clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings." The Veterinary Journal. Braun U. and Amrein E. (2001a). "Ultrasonographic examination of the caecum and the proximal and spiral ansa of the colon of cattle." The Veterinary Record 149: 45-48.
Braun U., Amrein E., Koller U., Lischer C (2002a). "Ultrasonographic findings in cows with dilatation, torsion and retroflexion of the caecum." The Veterinary Record 150: 75-79.
Braun U. and Blessing S. (2006a). "Ultrasonographic examination of the omasum in 30 healthy cows." The Veterinary Record 159: 812-815.
Braun U., Blessing S., Lejeune B., Hassig M. (2007) "Ultrasonography of the omasum in cows with various gastrointestinal diseases." The Veterinary Record 160(25): 865-869.
Braun U. and Feller B. (2008c). "Ultrasonographic findings in cows with right displacement of the abomasum and abomasal volvulus." The Veterinary Record 162: 311-315.
Braun U. Feller B., Haessig M., Nuss K. (2008d). "Ultrasonographic examination of the omasum, liver and small and large intestines in cows with right displacement of the abomasum and abomasal volvulus." American Journal of Veterinary Research 69(6): 777-784. (abstract only)
Braun, U., Fluckiger M., Feige Κ., Pospischil A. (2002b). "Diagnosisby ultrasonography of congestion of the caudal vena cavasecondary to thrombosis in 12 cows." The Veterinary Record 150:209-213.
Braun U. and Fohn J. (2005a). "Duplex ultrasonography of the common carotid artery and external jugular vein of cows." AmericanJournal of Veterinary Research 66(6): 962-965. (abstract only)
Braun U. and Gerber D. (1992a). "Percutaneous ultrasound-guidedcholecystocentesis in cows." American Journal of Veterinary Research 53(7): 1079-1084.
Braun U. and Gerber D. (1994). "Influence of age, breed and stage of pregnancy on hepatic ultrasonographic findings in cows."American Journal of Veterinary Research 55(9): 1201-1205.
Braun U. and Hoegger R. (2008e). "B-mode and colour Doppler ultrasonography of the milk vein in 29 healthy Swiss braunvieh cows." The Veterinary Record 163(2): 47-49.
Braun U., Hoegger R., Haessig M. (2009). "Colour-Doppler sonography of the musculophrenic vein in cows." The Veterinary Journal 179(3): 451-454.
Braun U., Koller-Wild K., Bettschart-Wolfensberger R. (2000). "Ultrasound-guided percutaneous portocentesis in 21 cows." The Veterinary Record 147: 623-626.
Braun U. and Marmier O. (1995a). "Ultrasonographic examination of the small intestine of cows." The Veterinary Record 136(10): 239-244.
Braun U., Marmier O., Pusterla N. (1995b). "Ultrasonographic examination of the small intestine of cows with ileus of the duodenum, jejunum or ileum." The Veterinary Record 137(9):209-215. (abstract only)-
Braun U., Nuss K., Soldati G., Ossent P. (2005b). "Clinical and ultrasonographic findings in four cows with liver tumours." The Veterinary Record 157: 482-484.
Braun U., Nuss K., Sydler T., Lischer C. (2006b). "Ultrasonographic findings in three cows with ureteral obstruction due to urolithiasis." The Veterinary Record 159(22): 750-752.
Braun U., Nuss K., Wehbrink D., Rauch S., Pospischil A. (2008f). "Clinical and ultrasonographic findings, diagnosis and treatment of pyelonephritis in 17 cows." The Veterinary Journal 175: 240-248.
Braun U., Pospischil Α., Pusterla N., Winder C. (1995c). "Ultrasonographic findings in cows with cholestasis." The Veterinary Record 137(21): 537-543.
Braun U., Pusterla N., Anliker H. (1998a). "Ultrasonographic findings in three cows with peritonitis in the left flank region." The Veterinary Record 142: 338-340.
Braun U., Pusterla N., Fluckiger M. (1997a). "Ultrasonographic findings in cattle with pleuropneumonia." The Veterinary Record 141:12-17.
Braun U., Pusterla N., Schonmann M. (1997b). "Ultrasonographic findings in cows with left displacement of the abomasum." The Veterinary Record 141: 331-335.
Braun U., Schefer U., Fohn J. (1992b). "Urinary tract ultrasonography in normal rams and in rams with obstructive urolithiasis." Canadian Veterinary Journal 33: 654-659.
Braun U., Schweizer T., Pusterla Ν. (2001b). "Echocardiography of the normal bovine heart: technique and ultrasonographic appearance." The Veterinary Record 148: 47-51.
Braun U. and Sicher D. (2006c). "Ultrasonography of the spleen in 50 healthy cows." The Veterinary Journal 171: 513-518.
Braun U., Sicher D., Pusterla N. (1996). "Ultrasonography of the lungs, pleura and mediastinum in healthy cows." American Journal of Veterinary Research 57(4): 432-438.
Braun U., Iselin U., Lischer C, Fluri E. (1998b). "Ultrasonographic findings in five cows before and after treatment of reticular abscesses." The Veterinary Record 142:184-189.
Braun U., Wild K., Guscetti F. (1997c). "Ultrasonographic examination of the abomasum of 50 cows." The Veterinary Record 140: 93-98.
Bueno A.C.D., Watrous B.J., Parker J.E., Hedstrom O.R. (2000). "Ultrasonographic diagnosis: Cranial vena cava thrombosis in a cow." Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 41(6): 551-553.
Christensen K., Nielsen M.O., Bauer R., Hilden Κ. (1989). "Evaluation of mammary blood-flow measurement in lactating goats using the ultrasound Doppler principle." Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology a-Physiology 92(3): 385-392.
El-Maghraby H.M., Nyland T.G., Bellhorn R.W. (1995). "Ultrasonographic and biometrie evaluation of sheep and cattle eyes." Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 36(2): 148-151.
Flock M. (2004). "Diagnostic ultrasonography in cattle with thoracic disease." The Veterinary Journal 167: 272-280.
King A.M. (2006). "Development, advances and applications of diagnostic ultrasound in animals." The Veterinary Journal 171(3): 408-420.
Kofler J. and Edinger Κ. H. (1995). "Diagnostic ultrasound imaging of soft tissues in the bovine distal limb." Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 36(3): 246-252.
Kofler J. (1996). "Arthrosonography - The use of diagnostic ultrasound in septic and traumatic arthritis in cattle - A retrospective study of 25 patients." British Veterinary Journal 152: 683-698.
Kofler J., Schilcher F., Buchner Α. (1998). "Ultrasonographic appearance of normal superficial cervical and subiliac lymph nodes in cattle." The Veterinary Record 142: 425-428.
Kofler J. (2000). "Ultrasonographic Examination of the Carpal Region in Cattle Normal Appearance." The Veterinary Journal 159: 85-96.
Kofler J., Kubber P., Henninger W. (1999). "Ultrasonographic Imaging and Thickness Measurement of the Sole Horn and the Underlying Soft Tissue Layer in Bovine Claws." The Veterinary Journal 157:322-331.
Lahmar S., Chehida B.F., Petavy A.F., Hammou Α., Lahmar J., Ghannay Α., Gharbi H.A., Sarciron M.E. (2007). "Ultrasonographic screening for cystic echinococcosis in sheep in Tunisia." Veterinary Parasitology 143(1): 42-49.
Lindahl I.L. (1966). "Detection of Pregnancy in Sheep by means of Ultrasound." Nature 212(5062): 642-643.
Lischer C.J. and Steiner A. (1993). "Ultrasonography of umbilical structures in calves." Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 135: 221-230.
Macrae A.I. and Scott P.R. (1999). "The Normal Ultrasonographic Appearance of Ovine Joints and the Uses of Arthrosonography in the Evaluation of Chronic Ovine Joint Disease." The Veterinary Journal 158(2): 135-143.
Mohamed T., Oikawa S., Nakada Κ., Kurosawa T., Sawamukai Y., Sato H.(2003a). "Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Over-the-Wire Catheterization of the portal and hepatic vessels in cattle." Journal of the Veterinary Medical Science 65(7): 821-824.
Mohamed T., Sato H., Kurosawa T., Oikawa S. (2003b). "Transcutaneous ultrasound-guided pancreatic biopsy in cattle and its safety: a preliminary report." The Veterinary Journal 166:188-193.
Mohamed T., Sato H., Kurosawa T., Oikawa S., Nitanai A. (2003c). "Ultrasonographic Imaging of Experimentally Induced Pancreatitis in Cattle." The Veterinary Journal 165: 314-324.
Mohamed T.,Oikawa S., Kurosawa T., Takehana Κ., Hosaka Y., Okada H., Koiwa M., Sato H. (2004a). "Focal fatty liver in a heifer: Utility of ultrasonography in diagnosis." Journal of the Veterinary Medical Science 66(3): 341-344.
Mohamed T. and Oikawa S. (2007). "Ultrasonographic Characteristics of Abdominal and Thoracic Abscesses in Cattle and Buffaloes." Journal of Veterinary Medical Association 54: 512-517.
Mohamed T., Sato H., Kurosawa T., Oikawa S. (2004b). "Ultrasonographic localisation of thrombi in the caudal vena cava and hepatic veins in a heifer." The Veterinary Journal 168:103-106.
Mohindroo J., Kumar Α., Sangwan V., Udehiya R., Singh S.S. (2008). "Ultrasonographic evaluation of the omasum in cows and buffaloes." Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 49(3): 295-299.
Mohindroo J., Kumar M., Kumar Α., Singh S.S. (2007). "Ultrasonographic diagnosis of reticular diaphragmatic hernias in buffaloes." The Veterinary Record 161: 757-758.
Munroe G.A. and Cauvin E.R. (1994). "The use of arthroscopy in the treatment of septic arthritis in two highland calves." British Veterinary Journal 150(5): 439-449.
Nuss K. (2007). "Ultrasonography of musculoskeletal disorders in cattle: A practical tool for veterinary surgeons." The Veterinary Journal 173: 239-240.
Nuss K., Lejeune B., Lischer C, Braun U. (2006). "Ileal impaction in22 cows." Veterinary Journal 171(3): 456-461.
Ozturk S., Demirkan I., Kibar M., Bumin Α., Pekkaya S. (2005). "Transrectal Ultrasonographic Examination of the Urinary System in Holstein Cows." Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal
Sciences 29(2): 263-267.
Park D.R., Nyland T.G., Lattimer J.C., Miller C.W., Lebel J.L. (1981). "B-mode gray scale ultrasound: Imaging artifacts and interpretation principles." Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound
(5): 204-210.
Potter T.J., Hallowell G.D., Bowen M.I. (2008). "Ultrasonographic anatomy of the bovine eye." Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 49(2): 172-175.
Pusterla N. and Braun U. (1997). "Ultrasonic examination of the pancreas in healthy cows." Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 38(1): 63-68.
Rabeling B., Rehage J., Dopfer D., Scholz Η. (1998). "Ultrasonographic findings in calves with respiratory disease." The Veterinary Record 143: 468-471.
Rantanen N.W. and Ewing III R.L. (1981). "Principles of ultrasound application in animals." Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 22(5):196-203.
Scott P.R. and Gessert M.E. (1998). "Ultrasonographic Examination of the Ovine Thorax." The Veterinary Journal 155: 305-310.
Scott P.R., Gessert M.E., Marsh D. (1997). "Ultrasonographic examination of the abomasum of neonatal lambs." The Veterinary Record 141: 524.
Scott P.R., Sargison N.D., Macrae Α., Rhind S.R. (2005). "An outbreak of subacute fasciolosis in Soay sheep: Ultrasonographic biochemical and histological studies." The Veterinary Journal 170:
-331.
Soroori S., Raoofi Α., Vajhi A.R., Ghorbani Nezami S. (2008). "Ultrasonographic Examination of the Goat Liver." Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences 32(5): 385-388.
Steiner Α., Lischer J.C., Oertle C. (1993). "Marsupialization of Umbilical Vein Abscesses With Involvement of the Liver in 13 Calves." Veterinary Surgery 22(3): 184-189.
Streeter R. N. and Step D.L. (2007). "Diagnostic Ultrasonography in Ruminants." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice 23(3): 541-574.
Temple R.S., Stonaker H.H., Howry D., Posakeny G., Hazaieus M.H. (1956). "Ultrasonic and conductivity methods for estimating fat thickness in live cattle." Prec. Western Sec. Am. Soc. An. Prod. 7:477. (abstract only)
Tschuor A. and Clauss M. (2008). "Investigations on the stratification of forestomach contents in ruminants: an ultrasonographic approach." European Journal of Wildlife Research 54: 627-633.
Yamaga Y. and Too K. (1984). "Diagnostic ultrasound imaging in domestic animals: Two-Dimensional and M-mode Echocardiography." Japanese Journal of Veterinary Science 46:493-503.
Yamaga Y. and Too K. (1986). "Echocardiographic detection of bovine cardiac diseases." Japanese Journal of Veterinary Research 34(3-4): 251-267.