Testicular vascularization in healthy dogs using a microvascular flow imaging technique - MicroV

Testicular health significantly impacts the overall health and reproductive capacity of dogs, making early diagnosis of testicular conditions crucial. Neoplasms, orchitis, degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium, cryptorchidism, and testicular atrophy are among the most common testicular diseases in dogs. Ultrasonography is essential in andrological examinations, as it is a safe, easy-to-perform, and minimally invasive method. However, conventional Doppler techniques are often insufficient for characterizing testicular vascularization, particularly for detecting small-caliber blood vessels and low-velocity blood flow. This study evaluated the applicability of microvascular flow imaging (MicroV) in assessing testicular microvascularization in healthy dogs. Twenty-five intact male dogs aged 1-12 years were evaluated. The examination included physical and reproductive assessments, followed by B-mode and color Doppler ultrasonography of the testes. The MicroV technique was applied to provide detailed hemodynamic information, including the visualization of diffusely branched microvessels within the parenchyma. The technique offered advantages over color Doppler in characterizing testicular vascularization and microvascularization in dogs, particularly in detecting low-flow vascular calibers, thus representing a promising complementary tool for future clinical studies on testicular abnormalities.