Quantitative measurement of canine renal arterial blood flow using Doppler ultrasonography

The aim of this study was to estimate the accuracy of the quantitative measurement of renal blood flow using the non-invasive method, Doppler ultrasonography. First, we determined a method of approach to the renal artery in order to detect the rate and pattern of flow, using 8 adult beagles under general anesthesia. Secondly, we examined the renal arterial blood flow using the Doppler method and electromagnetic flowmeter using 7 mongrel dogs. A significant correlation (r = 0.879; p < 0.01) was found between two methods, though the Doppler system tended to indicate high values than the electromagnetic flowmeter. Our study suggests that the Doppler method is a useful non-invasive technique of measuring renal blood flow in the dog.