BODY CAVITY SONOGRAPHY IN THE FIELD (a) (b)


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FIGURE 2 Comparison of thoracic ultrasound image obtained with a curvilinear transducer and straight linear transducer. Note that both are diagnostic- quality images. (a) Image obtained with a curvilinear transducer (1–8 mHz variable frequency). (b) Image obtained with a straight linear transducer (4–10 mHz variable frequency).


(a) (b)


FIGURE 3 Effect of depth on image quality. Note the increased detail of the renal parenchyma in (b). (a) The left kidney and spleen imaged at 30 cm of depth. (b) The left kidney and spleen imaged at 25 cm of depth.


the intercostal space and perpendicular to the organ of interest. A fanning technique within intercostal spaces is useful to obtain images cranial and caudal to the intercostal spaces. When per- forming these examinations, images should be saved even when the anatomy appears to be normal. Representative images of the normal abdomen include at a minimum the nephrosplenic space (including the entire left kidney), the tail of the spleen, the stom- ach, the liver/spleen interface, the right kidney and duodenum, the right dorsal colon adjacent to the liver and the ventral abdomen. Representative images of the normal thorax include at a minimum a sampling of intercostal spaces at the level of the diaphragm; the author generally collects images at the 12th, 8th and 6th intercos- tal spaces on each side of the thorax. When pathology is noted, more images are generally required to demonstrate the nature and


extent of the abnormalities. Extremely abnormal findings may re- quire additional annotation for clarity. As with any skill, body cavity ultrasonography benefits from re-


peated practice. There are many excellent educational opportunities available to equine practitioners. These are best utilised when fol- lowed up by regular application of the techniques to allow the prac- titioner to become comfortable and proficient with their technique and equipment.


FUNDING INFORMATION There are no funders to report for this review article.


CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT No conflicts of interest have been declared.


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