Ultrasonographic linear and area measurements were performed on both kidneys of 15 clinically healthy dogs. Renal volumes were calculated from linear and area data applying three prolate ellipsoid models. Ultrasonographic volumes were then compared using linear regression analysis with kidney volumes measured in vitro by water displacement. In vivo ultrasonographic volumes had a statistically significant relationship with the in vitro volume. The highest correlation was provided by the single plane area method. There was also a correlation between body weight and ultrasonographically detected renal volume, suggesting that ultrasound imaging may be a useful method for assessment of renal volume changes in dogs with renal disease.

The applicability of ultrasonography was studied in the diagnosis of lesions of the renal pelvis and ureter in 10 dogs. Ultrasonographic findings of processes associated with dilatation and concretion formation in the renal pelvis were described and the differential diagnosis of the lesions was discussed. The authors propose a new classification system for judging processes characterized by dilatation of the renal pelvis. Experience suggests that ultrasonography is an effective procedure in the diagnosis of certain diseases of the upper urinary tract in dogs.

Five guinea pigs with palpable abdominal masses were examined by radiography and ultrasonography, and laparotomy was performed. Splenic haematoma, splenic and uterine haemangioma, uterine fibroma and ovarian teratoma were found on histological examination after excision of the relevant organs. Both of the imaging methods allowed localisation of the affected organs, but the inner structure of the masses could only be imaged by ultrasonography. Ultrasonography served as an aid in decision-making with respect to the laparotomy. Surgery was successful in four out of the five cases. Both imaging methods were found to be useful in diagnosis and in determining the choice of treatment in cases of abdominal masses in guinea pigs.