Duplex ultrasonography of the common carotid artery and external jugular vein of cows

B-mode and color Doppler ultrasonography of normal external jugular vein in donkeys (Equus asinus)

Background

Although the jugular vein is a major important blood vessel in equine, the literature lacks this vessel's normal B-mode and Doppler ultrasonographic examinations in donkeys. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the reference ranges of B-mode and Doppler ultrasonographic indices of jugular veins in healthy adult donkeys (Equus asinus) and the possible effect of examination side (left and right), gender, and body condition on the ultrasonographic measurements of this vessel. B-mode and Doppler ultrasound imaging of the external jugular vein was conducted on 20 adult healthy donkeys of both sexes.

Results

In all donkeys, the jugular vein was 4.01 to 8.1 mm from the body surface. The longitudinal and transverse venous diameters ranged from 3.94 to 10.5 mm and from 0.88 to 1.9 cm, respectively. Moreover, the vein areas varied from 0.61 to 2.83 cm². The reference values of superficial and deep wall thickness (SWT and DWT) were 0.56 ± 0.2 and 0.6 ± 0.13 mm, respectively. The blood velocity, blood follow rate, and congestion index of the external jugular vein can be expected in adult healthy donkeys as a range value from 8.4 to 13.5 cm/sec, from 0.33 to 1.78 ml/min, and from 0.06 to 0.27 cm.sec, respectively. Generally, the vein showed laminar monophasic waveforms. The examination side and gender have no significant effect on the ultrasound measurements of the vein (P > 0.05). Donkeys with a body condition score (BCS) ≥ 3 revealed increases in the depth of the vein (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of this study can be used as reference values and provide a basis for comparison when evaluating donkeys with diseases that affect blood flow in the external jugular vein.

Effect of supra-nutritional selenium-enriched probiotics on hematobiochemical, hormonal, and Doppler hemodynamic changes in male goats

In this study, the influence of supra-nutritional organic selenium (Se) supplement on hematology and plasma biochemicals, including antioxidant parameters and plasma reproductive hormones, as well as blood flow characteristics in the supratesticular and common carotid arteries (STA and CCA, respectively) were investigated. For this purpose, 15 male goats were used and classified into three equal groups according to the supplementation of the basal diet (BD): negative control (NC), probiotic (Pro), and Se-probiotic (Se-Pro) groups. Blood perfusion in the STA and CCA was assessed by Doppler ultrasonography at three different time intervals: at the experimental onset (T0), 3 weeks of dietary supplement (T3), and after 6 weeks of observation (T6). Concomitantly, blood samples were withdrawn for hematobiochemical and hormonal changes. Results revealed no evidence of clinical abnormality, with some enhanced hematological parameters and antioxidant (SOD and GPX) levels in goats of the Se-Pro and Pro groups. High concentrations of FSH were found in the Se-Pro at T6 compared to its values in other groups. Similarly, testosterone levels were elevated in the Pro and Se-Pro groups at T3 compared to other time points. There were significant increases in levels of IGF-1 in the Pro and Se-Pro groups compared to the NC group. Significant (P < 0.05) increases in the values of the blood volume within the CCA and the STA were noted in the Se-Pro group, and the highest values were observed at T6 (CCA, 427.4 ± 33 ml/min; STA, 49.9 ± 5.0 ml/min). In conclusion, supra-nutritional organic selenium improves some hematobiochemical parameters, reproductive hormones, and the blood perfusion within the CCA and STA in goats.

Comparação das artérias carótidas comuns de equinos e muares por ultrassonografia modo-B e Doppler espectral e a relação com a massa corpórea

RESUMO A ultrassonografia convencional e o Doppler espectral nas artérias carótidas comuns em equinos e muares são considerados escassos, diferentemente do que ocorre na medicina humana. Este trabalho propôs comparar as artérias carótidas comuns de equinos e muares por ultrassonografia modo-B e Doppler espectral, além de verificar as diferenças dessas variáveis entre os gêneros desses animais e a relação com a massa corpórea. Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: massa corpórea, diâmetros das artérias, espessura da camada íntima-média (EIM), índice de resistividade (IR), índice de pulsatilidade (IP), velocidade sistólica (VS), velocidade diastólica (VD) e velocidade média (VM). Salvo a massa corpórea, esses parâmetros foram obtidos de três regiões (cranial, médio e caudal) e submetidos à análise conjuntamente. Os diâmetros das artérias carótidas comuns são diferentes entre equinos e muares, com valores menores nos equinos. O IR, o IP, a VS e a VM diferiram entre equinos e muares, sendo maiores nos equinos, e a VD superior nos muares. Não foi observada diferença das variáveis do modo-B e Doppler entre gêneros nos equinos, diferentemente dos muares, cujos machos apresentaram valores maiores do diâmetro, do IR e do IP, mas menores da VS e da VM. A massa corpórea não influenciou as variáveis do modo-B, independentemente do gênero, mas apresenta correlação significativa nas variáveis do modo Doppler. As artérias carótidas comuns de equinos e muares são diferentes pelos exames ultrassonográficos modo-B e Doppler espectral. O gênero não influencia no modo-B e no Doppler nos equinos, porém influencia parcialmente nos muares. A massa corpórea de equinos e de muares, independentemente do gênero, não tem associação com as variáveis do modo-B, apenas com o Doppler.

Characterization of the Normal Portal and Hepatic Blood Flow of Adult Holstein-Friesian Cows

Simple summary

Knowledge of physiological portal and hepatic blood flow in cattle is essential for the use of Doppler ultrasound for diagnostic purposes. In this paper, we describe a protocol for the systematic ultrasonography evaluation of the portal and hepatic system in cattle and report the reference values for healthy cows.

Abstract

In the past, hepatic blood flow in cows was invasively characterized to investigate different pathologies and physiological conditions. However, hepatic blood flow can be easily evaluated with transabdominal Doppler ultrasound. Sixteen healthy adult non-lactating, non-pregnant Holstein-Friesian cows were examined using B-mode and Doppler ultrasound between the right flank and 9^th intercostal space to establish the best approach to the different parts of the portal and hepatic vein systems, and determine normal blood flow characteristics. The main portal vein was characterized by a turbulent, high-velocity flow due to the opposing confluence of the splenic and cranial mesenteric veins, while hepatic and caudal vena cava veins have laminar blood flow, in which the phasicity is considered mainly respiratory in origin. Reference values were determined in relation to the anatomical point of observation. In conclusion, transabdominal Doppler ultrasound of the portal system is a simple technique that allows non-invasive characterization of portal and hepatic blood haemodynamics in cows.

B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography of cranial epigastric vein in healthy and diseased cows and buffaloes

The study was aimed to examine the right cranial epigastric vein (CEV) using B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography in clinically healthy non-gravid cows (20) and buffaloes (20); bovines suffering from traumatic reticuloperitonitis (15 cows and 20 buffaloes) and reticulo-diaphragmatic hernia (5 cows and 15 buffaloes). The data was statistically analyzed and compared between and within the groups. The Doppler parameters of cranial epigastric vein in healthy bovines showed a significant species difference. The blood flow velocities, peak systole (PS), end diastole (ED), time average maximum (TA max) and time average mean (TA mean) were significantly higher in cows compared to buffaloes. However, the pulsatility index (PI), the resistive index (RI), vessel diameter and the depth of the vein were significantly higher in buffaloes compared to cows. The highest per cent change in the Doppler parameters of cranial epigastric vein in between the healthy cows and buffaloes were recorded in the PI followed by the RI. A significant decrease in PS, ED, TA max, TA mean and blood volume flow/min was recorded in cows suffering from traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP) and reticulo-diaphragmatic hernia (RDH). The reduction was more in cows with RDH compared to TRP. The CEV was significantly more superficial in TRP affected cows. The PI of TRP affected cows and the TA mean of RDH affected cows recorded the highest per cent change compared to healthy cows. In buffaloes, only the PS was significantly increased in TRP affected buffaloes and those suffering from RDH. Significant species-specific differences exist in the blood flow parameters of healthy cows and buffaloes. Doppler blood flow parameters of diseased cows suffering from TRP and RDH was more significantly affected compared to that of buffaloes. The database generated for non-gravid crossbred Indian cows and buffaloes can be used as a reference range for further studies.

Respiratory Surgery

This article is a review of the most frequent disorders affecting the upper airway of cattle that are suitable for surgery. Information regarding the clinical signs, diagnostic methods, and the chemical restraint of cattle in respiratory distress are highlighted. Surgeries that can be performed in a field setting are thoroughly described.

B-mode and colour Doppler sonographic examination of the milk vein and musculophrenic vein in dry cows and cows with a milk yield of 10 and 20 kg

Background

This study investigated the effect of milk yield on blood flow variables in the milk vein and musculophrenic vein in dairy cows.

Methods

Five healthy dry cows, five cows with a daily milk yield of 10 kg and five others with a daily milk yield of 20 kg underwent B-mode and colour Doppler sonographic examination. The diameter of the veins, blood flow velocities and blood flow volumes were measured on both sides in standing, non-sedated cows using a 7.5 MHz linear transducer.

Results

Lactating cows had significantly higher blood flow velocities in the milk vein than dry cows; the maximum blood flow velocity of dry cows and those with a daily milk yield of 10 and 20 kg were 14.04, 38.77 and 39.49 cm/s, respectively, the minimum velocities were 0.63, 3.02 and 2.64 cm/s, respectively, and the mean maximum velocities were 8.21, 26.67 und 28.22 cm/s, respectively. Cows producing 20 kg of milk a day had a blood flow volume of 3.09 l/min, which was significantly higher than 0.79 l/min recorded in dry cows. Lactating cows had significantly higher mean maximum blood flow velocities in the musculophrenic vein than dry cows. Blood flow variables of both veins did not differ significantly between the left and right side.

Conclusion

This study showed that milk yield has a profound effect on blood flow variables in the milk vein and to a lesser extent the musculophrenic vein. This must be taken into consideration in future Doppler sonographic studies of these veins and possibly other vessels. Furthermore, measurements on one side are representative of both sides.

B-mode and colour Doppler ultrasonography of the milk vein in 29 healthy Swiss braunvieh cows

The morphology and diameter of the milk vein of 29 healthy Swiss braunvieh cows and the velocity of blood flow through it was measured by colour Doppler ultrasonography before and 10 minutes after they had been sedated with 0.03 mg/kg xylazine. The milk vein was situated immediately under the skin. It had a diameter of 0.8 to 1.6 cm and valves were visible in the milk vein of 12 of the cows. The spectral display appeared as a broad band structure with a wave-like course. The Doppler measurement point was 0.4 to 0.8 cm from the body surface. The diameter of the vein and the blood flow velocity did not differ significantly before and after the cows were sedated. The mean (sd) diameter of the milk vein before they were sedated was 1.3 (0.3) cm. The mean maximum blood flow velocity before they were sedated was 45.4 (12.5) cm/second, the mean velocity was 33.5 (9.5) cm/second, and the mean minimum was 25.8 (11.6) cm/second. There were significant correlations between the blood flow velocities before and after the cows were sedated and between individual cow's blood flow velocities, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.69 to 0.94.

Colour-Doppler sonography of the musculophrenic vein in cows

The goal of the present study was to examine the musculophrenic vein of 29 healthy Swiss Braunvieh cows using colour-Doppler sonography to determine vessel morphology and diameter, and blood flow velocity. The hair over the reticular region was clipped, and the left musculophrenic vein was examined before and 10min after sedation using 0.03mg/kg xylazine. The musculophrenic vein appeared as a vessel with a diameter of 0.5-1.1cm located in the diaphragmatic musculature. The spectral display was a broad band structure with a wave-like shape. The Doppler measurement point was 1.5-2.7cm from the body surface. The diameter of the vein and the blood flow velocity did not differ significantly before and after sedation. Before sedation, the mean diameter (+/-SD) of the musculophrenic vein was 0.7 (0.2) cm, the maximum blood flow velocity 90.2 (38.6) cm/s, the mean blood flow velocity 60.4 (22.3) cm/s and the minimum blood flow velocity 41.4 (24.2) cm/s. There were significant correlations (r=0.45-0.90) between blood flow velocity before and after sedation and between minimum, maximum and mean blood flow velocities.

Ultrasonographic and color-flow Doppler ultrasonographic assessment of direct cutaneous arteries used for axial pattern skin flaps in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To describe a method for ultrasonographic and color-flow Doppler ultrasonographic imaging of the 4 direct cutaneous arteries commonly used for axial pattern skin flaps in dogs.

DESIGN

Descriptive report.

ANIMALS

20 clinically normal dogs.

PROCEDURES

Dogs were manually restrained and fundamental and harmonic ultrasonographic and color-flow Doppler ultrasonographic examinations of the superficial cervical, thoracodorsal, deep circumflex iliac (cranial and caudal branches), and caudal superficial epigastric arteries were performed by a resident in diagnostic imaging. The level of confidence in locating these vessels was subjectively graded as high, moderate, or low.

RESULTS

High-frequency fundamental and harmonic ultrasonography was important for maximizing image resolution, and color-flow Doppler ultrasonography was important for vessel identification. The superficial cervical artery was the most difficult vessel to identify; confidence in correct vessel identification was low or moderate. The thoracodorsal and deep circumflex iliac arteries were identified with a moderate or high level of confidence. The caudal superficial epigastric artery was the easiest vessel to identify; confidence in correct vessel identification was high. Except for the superficial cervical artery, the level of confidence in correct vessel identification improved over time as operator experience increased.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results suggest that the combination of fundamental ultrasonographic and color-flow Doppler ultrasonographic imaging is an easy and noninvasive method for identifying the 4 direct cutaneous arteries commonly used for axial pattern skin flaps in dogs. This method could be useful in planning axial pattern skin flaps, particularly in dogs with regional soft tissue trauma in which the integrity of the vessel is in question.