Reference ranges and reliability of transabdominal ultrasonographic renal dimensions in thoroughbred horses.
Abstract: The aims of this study were to establish a normal reference range (mean ± 2 SD) and assess reliability of renal dimensions obtained using transabdominal ultrasonography in Thoroughbred horses (n = 7). A minimum of three ultrasonographic cineloops were obtained from each intercostal space and the left paralumbar fossa by two observers daily for three consecutive days. Renal length, width, and thickness and cortex, medulla, and pelvic dimensions were obtained. Measurements were undertaken by both observers, who were unaware of prior measurements, to assess reproducibility and measured on three separate occasions to evaluate short-term measurement repeatability. Measurements from images obtained by both operators were compared to evaluate image repeatability. The left kidney was consistently identified in the left 15th-17th intercostal space and the paralumbar fossa with maximal length in the 16th intercostal space (12.7 ± 2.0 cm) and maximal width in the paralumbar fossa (7.9 ± 1.1 cm). The right kidney was consistently identified in the right 15th-17th intercostal space with maximal length and maximal width in the 15th intercostal space (16.0 ± 0.7 cm and 7.9 ± 1.0 cm). Reproducibility, image repeatability, measurement repeatability were good to excellent, although were less good for the smaller structures. There were no differences in renal dimensions between horses. Overall renal ultrasonography was reliable and a normal reference range for Thoroughbred horses was established. Renal dimensions vary between rib spaces. As repeatability and reproducibility were excellent for renal length and width, it may be prudent to use those measurements in rib spaces where parameters were maximal.
© 2011 Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound.
Publication Date: 2011-12-15 PubMed ID: 22168823DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2011.01902.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This study aimed to establish a normal size range for kidneys in thoroughbred horses, based on ultrasound scans. The results showed that ultrasound was a reliable method for this purpose, and that kidney size tended to be consistent within this breed of horses.
Objective of Study
The research targeted to establish a normal size range (mean ± 2 standard deviations) for the kidneys of Thoroughbred horses and to evaluate the reliability of measurements taken through transabdominal ultrasonography. This study involved seven Thoroughbred horses.
Methods
- Ultrasound scans were obtained from each participating horse for three consecutive days, from different areas: intercostal space and the left paralumbar fossa.
- Measurements of the kidney’s length, width, and thickness, as well as of the cortex, medulla, and pelvic dimensions were taken.
- Two observers unaware of previous measurements took these readings to test the reproducibility of the procedure.
- The same measurements were taken on three separate occasions to evaluate short-term repeatability.
- The images produced by both operators were compared to assess the consistency of the images.
Findings
- The left kidney was consistently spotted in the same area – the left 15th to 17th intercostal space and the paralumbar fossa.
- The longest length (maximum) was found in the 16th intercostal space (12.7 ± 2.0 cm) and the maximum width in the paralumbar fossa (7.9 ± 1.1 cm).
- The right kidney was consistently found in the right 15th to 17th intercostal space with maximum length and width at the 15th intercostal space (16.0 ± 0.7 cm and 7.9 ± 1.0 cm respectively).
- The reproducibility of the measurements, the consistency of the images and the repeatability of the measurements were generally good to excellent, except for the smaller structures which showed less good results.
- No differences in kidney sizes between the horses were spotted.
Conclusion
The study concluded that renal ultrasonography is a reliable method for measuring kidney sizes in Thoroughbred horses. A reference range was set up. The research also found that renal dimensions vary between the rib spaces. Based on the excellent repeatability and reproducibility for renal length and width, it is recommended to use these measurements in rib spaces where parameters were maximal.
Cite This Article
APA
Draper AC, Bowen IM, Hallowell GD.
(2011).
Reference ranges and reliability of transabdominal ultrasonographic renal dimensions in thoroughbred horses.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 53(3), 336-341.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8261.2011.01902.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Kidney / diagnostic imaging
- Male
- Reference Values
- Reproducibility of Results
- Ultrasonography / methods
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Freccero F, Petrucelli M, Cipone M, Nocera I, Sgorbini M. Doppler evaluation of renal resistivity index in healthy conscious horses and donkeys.. PLoS One 2020;15(2):e0228741.
- Siwinska N, Zak A, Slowikowska M, Szczepankiewicz B, Niedzwiedz A, Paslawska U. An assessment of the utility and repeatability of the renal resistive index in horses.. PLoS One 2019;14(12):e0226941.
- El-Reshaid W, Abdul-Fattah H. Sonographic assessment of renal size in healthy adults.. Med Princ Pract 2014;23(5):432-6.
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