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Use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic examination to evaluate health status of mammary glands of ewes at the end of a lactation period

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 February 2018

George Mantziaras ,
Natalia GC Vasileiou ,
Katerina S Ioannidi ,
Vasiliki S Mavrogianni ,
Dimitrios A Gougoulis ,
George C Fthenakis ,
Ioannis G Petridis  and
Mariana S Barbagianni
George Mantziaras
Affiliation:
Veterinary Department, Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Athens, Greece
Natalia GC Vasileiou
Affiliation:
Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
Katerina S Ioannidi
Affiliation:
Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
Vasiliki S Mavrogianni
Affiliation:
Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
Dimitrios A Gougoulis
Affiliation:
Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
George C Fthenakis*
Affiliation:
Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
Ioannis G Petridis
Affiliation:
Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
Mariana S Barbagianni
Affiliation:
Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
*
*For correspondence; e-mail: gcf@vet.uth.gr
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Abstract

This research communication describes the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic examination (CEUS) in mammary glands of ewes for diagnosis of chronic mastitis; this is the first report of the use of this modality in diagnostic imaging of mammary glands of ruminants. For this purpose, a convex transducer was used, with the following settings: frequency: 2·0/4·0 MHz, mechanical index: 0·09, power: 22 dB, scanning depth: 70 mm, and sulphur hexafluoride in microbubbles at a dose of 20 µl as the contrast agent. In four healthy mammary glands (2 ewes), CEUS examination revealed a steady biphasic pattern of contrast agent kinetics characterised by initial uptake within 15–40 s post-injection, at which time intensity peaked with strong enhancement (130–200 AEU) followed by a gradual wash-out phase. In three mammary glands with history of clinical mastitis (2 ewes), the pattern was particularly inconsistent and unclear, with weak enhancement (<100 AEU) (P < 0·01) lasting for a short period. Notwithstanding issues regarding cost and withdrawal period of contrast-agent, this imaging modality may contribute to improved diagnosis of mastitis cases, especially on occasions when abnormalities cannot be easily confirmed by more conventional methods.

Keywords

CEUScontrast-enhanced ultrasonographydiagnosisDopplerdry-periodewemammary glandmastitismilk yieldsheep

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Dairy Research , Volume 85 , Issue 1 , February 2018 , pp. 39 - 43
Copyright
Copyright © Hannah Dairy Research Foundation 2018 

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