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Arioni S, Mendoza P, Vercellini R, Barrena JP, Rube A, Gobello C, Blanco PG. Ultrasonographic computer-assisted quantification of the intraluminal uterine content in female dogs. Theriogenology 2025; 234:208-215. [PMID: 39742719 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2024] [Revised: 12/18/2024] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/04/2025]
Abstract
In dogs, the characterization of intraluminal uterine contents has been subjectively carried out by the operators. The aims of this study were: 1) To ultrasonographically describe and compare the echogenicity and heterogeneity of the intraluminal uterine contents in bitches using digital analysis; 2) To assess the cytology of the uterine contents; 3) To evaluate the effect of clinical, ultrasonographic, bacteriological and cytological parameters on intraluminal contents echogenicity and heterogeneity. Twenty-one intact, 3-24 kg, 1-12 years of age, female dogs with ultrasonographically detected uterine content were included. According to the gross evaluation, the contents were classified as purulent (PC; n = 8), mucous (MC; n = 4), serous (SC; n = 9). Ultrasonographic images of the contents were digitally analyzed to measure echogenicity and heterogeneity, represented as the mean gray value (MGV) and the standard deviation of the gray value (SDG), respectively. Endometrial cytology samples were collected post-ovariohysterectomy. Clinical, ultrasonographic, bacteriological and cytological parameters were compared among groups using one way ANOVA and Chi-square tests. A generalized linear model was performed to analyze their effect on MGV and SDG. Uterine diagnoses included cystic endometrial hyperplasia - pyometra, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, cystic endometrial hyperplasia - mucometra, endometritis and normal uteruses. MGV was higher in PC and MC than in SC (P < 0.01), did not differ between PC and MC (P > 0.1). SDG was higher in PC than in SC (P < 0.01) and MC (P < 0.05). Digital analysis distinguished among purulent, mucous and serous fluids. Cytology revealed higher inflammation-related parameters in PC than in MC and SC. Cytological parameters, such as cellularity and bacterial presence, were associated with echogenicity and heterogeneity of uterine contents.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Arioni
- Center of Reproductive Physiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the National University of La Plata, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina.
| | - P Mendoza
- Center of Reproductive Physiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the National University of La Plata, Argentina
| | - R Vercellini
- Center of Reproductive Physiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the National University of La Plata, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina
| | - J P Barrena
- Center of Reproductive Physiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the National University of La Plata, Argentina
| | - A Rube
- Center of Reproductive Physiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the National University of La Plata, Argentina
| | - C Gobello
- Center of Reproductive Physiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the National University of La Plata, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina
| | - P G Blanco
- Center of Reproductive Physiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the National University of La Plata, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina
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Aires LPN, Gasser B, Del'Aguila-Silva P, Gonçalves JD, Uscategui RAR, Spada S, De Felice D, Russo M, Lima BB, Gimenes LU, Feliciano MAR. Multiparametric ultrasound (MPUS) evaluation of the testes of normozoospermic dogs - a pilot study. Sci Rep 2025; 15:7121. [PMID: 40016296 PMCID: PMC11868414 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-91087-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2025] [Indexed: 03/01/2025] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound is an important tool in small animal andrology for assessing the integrity of the testes. This study explores ultrasound's role in assessing the canine testes and understanding the correlation of sonographic parameters to sperm quality. It investigates B-mode and Doppler ultrasound techniques alongside advanced methods like Shear-wave Elastography (SWE) and Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). The aim was to standardize a multiparametric ultrasound (MPUS) evaluation protocol using these techniques in normozoospermic dogs. Eight healthy male dogs were assessed. B-mode assessed testicular morphology, while Doppler evaluated testicular artery waveform morphology and velocimetric parameters. SWE measured testicular stiffness, and CEUS assessed testicular perfusion. Seminal parameters were also analyzed. Results revealed normal B-mode sonographic findings and some correlations between Doppler parameters and sperm quality. SWE demonstrated consistent testicular stiffness regardless of the depth of evaluation, with correlations of the stiffness of the head of the epididymis to the ejaculate volume. CEUS identified blood flow differences between testes and some perfusion parameters correlated with sperm features. This comprehensive ultrasound assessment provides valuable insights into canine reproductive health, providing basis for further studies on dogs with abnormal sperm quality and with different fertility statuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Paulo Nogueira Aires
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Beatriz Gasser
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Unaí, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Priscila Del'Aguila-Silva
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joedson Dantas Gonçalves
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Stefano Spada
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniela De Felice
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Russo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Bruna Bressianini Lima
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lindsay Unno Gimenes
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcus Antônio Rossi Feliciano
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Veterinary Imaginology, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), São Paulo University (USP), Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
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Gasser B, Uscategui RAR, Aires LPN, Yamada DI, Del'Aguila-Silva P, Lima BB, Silva P, da Cruz ICK, Carneiro RK, Feliciano MAR. Abdominal perfusion in canine patients with pyometra and sepsis evaluated by Doppler and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:180. [PMID: 37777757 PMCID: PMC10542259 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03747-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis is a condition characterized by organic dysfunction, leading to hemodynamic instability and high morbidity and mortality rates in humans and animals. Early identification of perfusion changes and appropriate management of sepsis are crucial for improving patient prognosis. Currently, the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores are widely studied for sepsis identification and evaluation of organ dysfunction. However, these scores do not assess gastrointestinal involvement, which is common in this condition. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and Doppler have been considered promising diagnostic techniques for detecting changes in vascularization and microcirculation in a non-invasive and safe manner, particularly in the gastrointestinal system. This study aimed to evaluate duodenal perfusion using CEUS, as well as abdominal aortic and cranial mesenteric artery blood flow using Doppler ultrasound, and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) in 17 bitches with pyometra and in 10 healthy animals. RESULTS The variables were compared between the pyometra and control groups, as well between patients with and without sepsis determined by the SOFA or SIRS scores. Pyometra was found to cause a reduction in abdominal aortic blood flow volume, aortic peak systolic velocity, and resistivity index as evaluated by Doppler ultrasound. Patients with sepsis according to the SOFA criteria only presented lower SAP. In contrast, sepsis animals identified by the SIRS score exhibited lower SAP, aortic peak systolic velocity, aortic blood flow volume, and aortic resistivity index and additionally, higher peak intensity of contrast in the duodenal wall. CONCLUSIONS Pyometra causes a reduction in abdominal aortic blood flow, which is more pronounced in animals with sepsis identified by the SIRS criteria. These animals also exhibited a decrease in systolic blood pressure and an increase in duodenal perfusion, as evident by CEUS. However, these changes were not observed in patients with sepsis identified by the SOFA criteria. The alterations in intestinal perfusion observed in animals with sepsis indicate the presence of inflammation or dysfunction. In this regard, CEUS proves to be a valuable technique for detecting subtle changes in tissue hemodynamics that may not be apparent in conventional exams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Gasser
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brasil.
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Unaí, Minas Gerais, Brasil.
| | | | - Luiz Paulo Nogueira Aires
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Priscila Del'Aguila-Silva
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Bruna Bressianini Lima
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Priscila Silva
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brasil
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Feliciano MAR, de Miranda BDSP, Aires LPN, Lima BB, de Oliveira APL, Feliciano GSM, Uscategui RAR. The Importance of Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Mammary Tumors in Bitches. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1742. [PMID: 37889644 PMCID: PMC10252055 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The high incidence of mammary tumors in small animals is concerning. Patient history, clinical examination, physical evaluation, and imaging studies are important for clinical staging. Ultrasonography is commonly applied to investigate the presence of abdominal metastasis. However, it has been shown to provide important information regarding mammary tumors' architecture and advanced sonographic techniques can provide information regarding neovascularization, stiffness, and perfusion. Different techniques have been investigated to determine accuracy to predict the lesions' histological classification. This paper reviews the information regarding each sonographic technique in the evaluation of mammary tumors, describing the most common findings and their potential to accurately assess and predict malignancy. Even though the gold standard for the diagnosis of mammary lesions is the histopathological examination, some ultrasonographic features described can predict the potential of a lesion being malignant. Among the different sonographic techniques, elastography can be considered the most reliable modality to accurately differentiate benign from malignant tumors when malignant lesions present increased stiffness. However, the combination of all sonographic techniques can provide important information that can lead to a better therapeutic approach and clinical staging. Furthermore, the potential of the sonographic study, especially CEUS to monitor therapeutic progression, demonstrate the need of further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Antônio Rossi Feliciano
- Laboratory of Veterinary Imaginology, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), Sao Paulo University (USP), Pirassununga 13635-900, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Brenda dos Santos Pompeu de Miranda
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Paulo Nogueira Aires
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruna Bressianini Lima
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Luiz de Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Serpa Maciel Feliciano
- Laboratory of Veterinary Imaginology, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), Sao Paulo University (USP), Pirassununga 13635-900, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Nogueira Aires LP, Gasser B, Silva P, Del’Aguila-Silva P, Yamada DI, Carneiro RK, Bressianini Lima B, Padilha-Nakaghi LC, Ramirez Uscategui RA, Spada S, Russo M, Rossi Feliciano MA. Ovarian contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and Doppler fluxometry in bitches during the postovulatory estrus and corpora lutea formation. Theriogenology 2022; 194:162-170. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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