B-mode and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for intestinal assessment in dogs: A review

Ultrasound (USG) is a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating the gastrointestinal tract of small animals, offering non-invasive and dynamic information. This review discusses intestinal evaluation in dogs using B-mode ultrasound and the advanced technique of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with...

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Main Authors: Iago Martins Oliveira, Wanessa Patrícia Rodrigues da Silva, Naida Cristina Borges
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Tripoli University 2025-03-01
Series:Open Veterinary Journal
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Online Access:http://www.ejmanager.com/fulltextpdf.php?mno=229127
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author Iago Martins Oliveira
Wanessa Patrícia Rodrigues da Silva
Naida Cristina Borges
author_facet Iago Martins Oliveira
Wanessa Patrícia Rodrigues da Silva
Naida Cristina Borges
author_sort Iago Martins Oliveira
collection DOAJ
description Ultrasound (USG) is a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating the gastrointestinal tract of small animals, offering non-invasive and dynamic information. This review discusses intestinal evaluation in dogs using B-mode ultrasound and the advanced technique of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with microbubbles. B-mode USG allows the thickness and stratification of the intestinal wall, motility and adjacent structures such as lymph nodes and peritoneum to be examined. Reference values for intestinal wall thickness in dogs have been established based on body weight. The duodenum, jejunum and ileum can be differentiated sonographically by their location, wall stratification and relationship to other intestinal segments. Intestinal motility is assessed by counting peristaltic waves, and abnormalities indicate various diseases. CEUS uses microbubble-based contrast agents, such as sulphur hexafluoride, which remain stable in the vascular system and are eliminated by the lungs. This technique improves the perception of ultrasound echoes, making it possible to quantify tissue perfusion with parameters such as entry time, peak enhancement and exit time. In human medicine, CEUS is used to assess intestinal perfusion in conditions such as Crohn's disease and ischemia. In veterinary medicine, the technique has been used to assess duodenal perfusion in healthy dogs and those with chronic enteropathies or alimentary lymphoma. Although CEUS shows potential in differentiating dogs with chronic enteropathies from healthy controls, more research is needed to standardize the methodology, establish reference values and define clinical applications in various canine intestinal diseases. The combination of B-mode USG and CEUS provides a non-invasive assessment of intestinal morphology and function, contributing to the understanding of the pathophysiology of enteropathies in dogs. [Open Vet J 2025; 15(3.000): 1066-1077]
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spelling doaj-art-e6bccfb81b3f4d418734e20c86583a1c2025-08-20T02:16:01ZengTripoli UniversityOpen Veterinary Journal2226-44852218-60502025-03-011531066107710.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i3.1229127B-mode and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for intestinal assessment in dogs: A reviewIago Martins Oliveira0Wanessa Patrícia Rodrigues da Silva1Naida Cristina Borges2Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goias, Câmpus II, Av. Engler, s/n - Jardim Mariliza, 74885-460, Goiânia, Goias, Brasil. Universidade Federal de Goias, Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, km 8, Campus Samambaia, 74690-900 Goiânia, Goias, Brasil. Universidade Federal de Goias, Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, km 8, Campus Samambaia, 74690-900 Goiânia, Goias, Brasil.Ultrasound (USG) is a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating the gastrointestinal tract of small animals, offering non-invasive and dynamic information. This review discusses intestinal evaluation in dogs using B-mode ultrasound and the advanced technique of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with microbubbles. B-mode USG allows the thickness and stratification of the intestinal wall, motility and adjacent structures such as lymph nodes and peritoneum to be examined. Reference values for intestinal wall thickness in dogs have been established based on body weight. The duodenum, jejunum and ileum can be differentiated sonographically by their location, wall stratification and relationship to other intestinal segments. Intestinal motility is assessed by counting peristaltic waves, and abnormalities indicate various diseases. CEUS uses microbubble-based contrast agents, such as sulphur hexafluoride, which remain stable in the vascular system and are eliminated by the lungs. This technique improves the perception of ultrasound echoes, making it possible to quantify tissue perfusion with parameters such as entry time, peak enhancement and exit time. In human medicine, CEUS is used to assess intestinal perfusion in conditions such as Crohn's disease and ischemia. In veterinary medicine, the technique has been used to assess duodenal perfusion in healthy dogs and those with chronic enteropathies or alimentary lymphoma. Although CEUS shows potential in differentiating dogs with chronic enteropathies from healthy controls, more research is needed to standardize the methodology, establish reference values and define clinical applications in various canine intestinal diseases. The combination of B-mode USG and CEUS provides a non-invasive assessment of intestinal morphology and function, contributing to the understanding of the pathophysiology of enteropathies in dogs. [Open Vet J 2025; 15(3.000): 1066-1077]http://www.ejmanager.com/fulltextpdf.php?mno=229127caninecontrastultrasoundintestinal wall thicknessmicrobubbles
spellingShingle Iago Martins Oliveira
Wanessa Patrícia Rodrigues da Silva
Naida Cristina Borges
B-mode and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for intestinal assessment in dogs: A review
Open Veterinary Journal
canine
contrast
ultrasound
intestinal wall thickness
microbubbles
title B-mode and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for intestinal assessment in dogs: A review
title_full B-mode and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for intestinal assessment in dogs: A review
title_fullStr B-mode and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for intestinal assessment in dogs: A review
title_full_unstemmed B-mode and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for intestinal assessment in dogs: A review
title_short B-mode and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for intestinal assessment in dogs: A review
title_sort b mode and contrast enhanced ultrasonography for intestinal assessment in dogs a review
topic canine
contrast
ultrasound
intestinal wall thickness
microbubbles
url http://www.ejmanager.com/fulltextpdf.php?mno=229127
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