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Home / Equine Research Bank / BMC Vet Res / Evaluation of normal findings using a detailed and focused t...
BMC veterinary research2014; 10 Suppl 1(Suppl 1); S5; doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-S1-S5

Evaluation of normal findings using a detailed and focused technique for transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonography in the horse.

Abstract: Ultrasonography is an important diagnostic tool in the investigation of abdominal disease in the horse. Several factors may affect the ability to image different structures within the abdomen. The aim of the study was to describe the repeatability of identification of abdominal structures in normal horses using a detailed ultrasonographic examination technique and using a focused, limited preparation technique. Methods: A detailed abdominal ultrasound examination was performed in five normal horses, repeated on five occasions (total of 25 examinations). The abdomen was divided into ten different imaging sites, and structures identified in each site were recorded. Five imaging sites were then selected for a single focused ultrasound examination in 20 normal horses. Limited patient preparation was performed. Structures were recorded as 'identified' if ultrasonographic features could be distinguished. The location of organs and their frequency of identification were recorded. Data from both phases were analysed to determine repeatability of identification of structures in each examination (irrespective of imaging site), and for each imaging site. Results: Caecum, colon, spleen, liver and right kidney were repeatably identified using the detailed technique, and had defined locations. Large colon and right kidney were identified in 100% of examinations with both techniques. Liver, spleen, caecum, duodenum and other small intestine were identified more frequently with the detailed examination. Small intestine was most frequently identified in the ventral abdomen, its identification varied markedly within and between horses, and required repeated examinations in some horses. Left kidney could not be identified in every horse using either technique. Sacculated colon was identified in all ventral sites, and was infrequently identified in dorsal sites. Conclusions: Caecum, sacculated large intestine, spleen, liver and right kidney were consistently identified with both techniques. There were some normal variations which should be considered when interpreting ultrasonographic findings in clinical cases: left kidney was not always identified, sacculated colon was occasionally identified in dorsal flank sites. Multiple imaging sites and repeated examinations may be required to identify small intestine. A focused examination identified most key structures, but has some limitations compared to a detailed examination.
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Publication Date: 2014-07-07 PubMed ID: 25238559PubMed Central: PMC4122957DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-S1-S5Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research article presents a study evaluating the efficacy and reliability of two abdominal ultrasonography techniques – a detailed method and a focused, limited preparation approach – for identifying organ structures in horses. The structures’ locations, frequency of detection, and some normal variations were documented.

Methods and Examination Protocol

  • The researchers carried out an in-depth abdominal ultrasound examination on five sound horses, repeating the procedure five times, yielding a total of 25 inspections.
  • They divided the abdomen into ten distinct imaging sites to record the identified structures at each site.
  • Using a single focused ultrasound examination, five imaging sites were chosen for analysis in a larger group of 20 normal horses.
  • Preparation for these examinations were minimal and any ultrasound-visible features were logged as ‘identified’.
  • Both the position of the organs and the frequency of their detection were recorded.

Data Analysis and Results

  • The data was analysed to determine the consistency of identifying structures in each examination, regardless of the imaging site, and for each individual imaging site.
  • Structures such as the caecum, colon, spleen, liver, and right kidney had defined locations and were repeatably identified utilising the detailed examination technique.
  • The large colon and right kidney were found in 100% of inspections using both techniques.
  • Other structures, including the liver, spleen, caecum, duodenum, and other sections of the small intestine, were identified more frequently with the detailed examination.
  • Identification of small intestine occurred most often in the ventral abdomen but varied significantly within and between horses, necessitating repeated examinations in some instances.
  • The left kidney was not always identifiable using either method.
  • The sacculated colon was found in all ventral sites but was rarely identified in dorsal sites.

Conclusions and Clinical Implications

  • The caecum, sacculated large intestine, spleen, liver, and right kidney were consistently identified with both techniques.
  • However, there were some normal variations to consider when interpreting ultrasonographic findings in clinical cases. For example, the left kidney was not always identified, and the sacculated colon was occasionally found in dorsal flank sites.
  • To identify the small intestine, multiple imaging sites and repeated examinations may be necessary.
  • A focused examination identified most key structures, but it has certain limitations compared to a detailed examination.

Cite This Article

APA
Williams S, Cooper J, Freeman S. (2014). Evaluation of normal findings using a detailed and focused technique for transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonography in the horse. BMC Vet Res, 10 Suppl 1(Suppl 1), S5. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-6148-10-S1-S5

Publication

BMC veterinary research
ISSN: 1746-6148
NlmUniqueID: 101249759
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 10 Suppl 1
Issue: Suppl 1
Pages: S5

Researcher Affiliations

Williams, Sarah
    Cooper, Jonathan
      Freeman, Sarah

        MeSH Terms

        • Abdomen / anatomy & histology
        • Animals
        • Horses / anatomy & histology
        • Ultrasonography / veterinary

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        Citations

        This article has been cited 5 times.
        1. Harada K, Akioka K, Izu I, Sasaki N. Ultrasonography-based diagnosis of hemorrhage syndrome in adipose tissues in the crest of the neck of heavy horse breeds. J Vet Med Sci 2023 Jun 13;85(6):637-641.
          doi: 10.1292/jvms.23-0084pubmed: 37183015google scholar: lookup
        2. Cuevas-Ramos G, Domenech L, Prades M. Small Intestine Ultrasound Findings on Horses Following Exploratory Laparotomy, Can We Predict Postoperative Reflux?. Animals (Basel) 2019 Dec 9;9(12).
          doi: 10.3390/ani9121106pubmed: 31835406google scholar: lookup
        3. Siwinska N, Zak A, Baron M, Cylna M, Borowicz H. Right dorsal colon ultrasonography in normal adult ponies and miniature horses. PLoS One 2017;12(10):e0186825.
          doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186825pubmed: 29065146google scholar: lookup
        4. Cournoyer N, Hostnik ET, Urion R. Computed Tomography Angiography Diagnosis of a Congenital Intrahepatic Central Divisional Portocaval Shunt in an Arabian Filly. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2025 Nov;66(6):e70091.
          doi: 10.1111/vru.70091pubmed: 40996890google scholar: lookup
        5. Haardt H, Romero AE, Boysen SR, Tan JY. Comparison of transrectal and transabdominal transducers for use in fast localized abdominal sonography of horses presenting with colic. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1307938.
          doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1307938pubmed: 38239746google scholar: lookup
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