[Sonographic imaging of physiological ovaries in the dog]

Ultrasonography of the canine ovary is a non-invasive examination procedure, which is an important part of the gynaecological examination. For the correct visualisation of the canine ovary, practical experience as well as the correct equipment are important. This article describes the technical requirements, the examination procedure and the appearance of the physiological ovary. The examination can be performed on both a recumbent and standing dog. To find the ovaries, the kidneys can be used as a reference point. The exact size of the ovaries is dependent on the body mass of the dog and the oestrous cycle stage. Particularly in the follicle phase, the detection of the ovaries is facilitated by the functional bodies. Follicles appear as anechoic round structures, which reach a maximum diameter of 6-9 mm. Corpora lutea appear hypoechogenic and protrude over the ovarian surface. In anoestrus, the ovaries are small and of medium echogenicity.