Foetal echoencephalography and Doppler ultrasonography of the middle cerebral artery in canine foetuses

• Published in: Journal of small animal practice 2013-03, Vol.54 (3), p.149-152
• Main Authors: Feliciano, M. A. R., Nepomuceno, A. C., Crivalero, R. M., Oliveira, M. E. F., Coutinho, L. N., Vicente, W. R. R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Blood Flow Velocity - veterinary; Cerebrovascular Circulation - physiology; Dogs - physiology; Female; Fetus - blood supply; Fetus - physiology; Gestational Age; Hemodynamics - physiology; Middle Cerebral Artery - diagnostic imaging; Middle Cerebral Artery - embryology; Middle Cerebral Artery - physiology; Pregnancy; Regional Blood Flow - physiology; Ultrasonography, Doppler - veterinary; Ultrasonography, Prenatal - veterinary
• ISSN: 0022-4510; 1748-5827
• DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12038

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of the brain and vascular indicesof the middle cerebral artery of canine foetuses. Methods Twenty‐five bitches were selected. Tissue development, echogenicity, echotexture and brain echobiometric data were studied, and the major structures were identified between the 5th and 8th gestational weeks. The area and volume of the brain mass (BMA and BMV), cranial area and volume (AC and VC), brain mass index (BMI) and brain volume index (BVI) were determined. A single ultrasound examination was performed during each studied week (6th, 7th and 8th). Doppler ultrasonography was performed to assess the maximum and minimum velocity, resistance and pulsatility index of middle cerebral artery of the foetuses. Results Echoencephalography was performed to evaluate the morphological characteristics of the central nervous system. Cerebral echobiometry indicated an increase in area and volume of the hemispheres and cranium (P