Question

You are presented with an 8-year-old male neutered Labrador retriever with a 3-month history of progressive weight loss, poor appetite and intermittent diarrhoea. Blood analysis is unremarkable. You decide to perform an abdominal ultrasound examination. In the mid small intestine, you find a structure that appears in figure 1.

Describe the ultrasonographic findings

What is the possible cause for this appearance?

Answer

Two sonograms are available for interpretation. The sonograms are obtained using a linear transducer of high frequency, allowing good spatial resolution.

Figure 1a shows the concentric circles of intestines typical of an intussusception. The central intussusceptum is identified surrounded by the intussuscipiens.

Figure 1b shows a mural thickening of a portion of the small intestine involved in the intussusception. The mass has maintained wall layering.

In older dogs, intussusception is usually caused by a physical lesion such as a mass and the ultrasonographer should look for such a finding. Spontaneous intussusception is usually found in younger animals.

How did you get on? This question and answer are from Andrew Parry, tutor on the upcoming small group practical attendance course Advanced Abdominal Ultrasound. This course is for vets in practice who are already confident with a basic ultrasound examination of the abdomen and want to develop their skills further. Read on for hands-on help.....

Or call us on 0151 328 0444 to reserve your place.

This one day, small group practical course will give you the skills and confidence that you need to take your abdominal scanning to the next level in your practice.

Develop your practical skills and confidence in decision making with the help of our friendly and approachable tutors. You'll get the help you need to get better outcomes with your patients and avoid common pitfalls in your scanning.

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