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Liver stiffness using transient elastography is applicable to canines for hepatic disease models
Antonio Rivero-Juárez1, Juan Morgaz, Angela Camacho
1Infectious Diseases Unit, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain.
Plos One
|August 23, 2012
Summary
Transient liver elastography (TE) is reproducible in dogs. The optimal position is the 6th-9th intercostal spaces in left lateral recumbency, using medium probes for adults and small probes for dogs under 2 years.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Hepatology
Background:
- Liver stiffness (LS) assessment is crucial in canine hepatology.
- Transient liver elastography (TE) is a non-invasive method for measuring LS.
- Optimizing TE technique in dogs is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal anatomical position for TE measurements in dogs.
- To identify the most effective exploration probe for canine TE.
- To evaluate the reproducibility and reliability of TE in a canine population.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen dogs were included in the study.
- Elastographic measurements were performed in four anatomical positions using medium (M) and small (S) probes.
- Successful exploration was defined by a >60% success rate and an interquartile range ≤30%.
Main Results:
- Optimal measurements were achieved in the mid-6th to 9th intercostal spaces with the dog in left lateral recumbency.
- Probe M was preferred for adult dogs, while probe S was mandatory for dogs under 2 years.
- High correlation (99%) between probes and excellent intra-observer reproducibility (97.6% intra-class correlation) were observed.
Conclusions:
- Transient liver elastography is a reproducible diagnostic technique in dogs.
- Specific positioning and probe selection enhance the accuracy of canine liver stiffness measurements.
- TE offers a reliable method for evaluating liver health in canine patients.
