A Doppler ultrasonographic study of cyclic changes of ovarian perfusion in the Beagle bitch

Abstract

Changes in intraovarian arterial blood flow were monitored by means of colour-coded and pulsed Doppler ultrasonography in Beagle bitches during the normal oestrous cycle (n = 11) and pregnancy (n = 3), and at PGF(2alpha)-induced luteolysis (n = 4). The ultrasonographic findings were related to the reproductive stage of the bitch, as determined by vaginoscopical and cytological criteria, and by the concentrations of oestradiol, LH and progesterone in peripheral blood plasma. Colour-coded Doppler ultrasonography was used to visualize and estimate intraovarian vascularization, and pulsed Doppler ultrasonography was used to measure the arterial blood flow. The systolic and diastolic peak velocities, the end-diastolic velocity, and the pulsatility index and resistance index were calculated for quantitative analysis of the Doppler waveforms. Intraovarian perfusion increased gradually during pro-oestrus. A marked enhancement of intraovarian colouring and blood flow velocities, and a decline in the indices for pulsatility and resistance were observed in the preovulatory period. Maximum perfusion was observed at ovulation and during the early luteal phase. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were detected for the values of all calculated Doppler parameters 2 days before and 2 days after ovulation. Intraovarian blood flow decreased gradually in accordance with luteal regression. Treatment with PGF(2alpha) caused a distinct decline in luteal activity and a concomitant reduction in intraovarian perfusion. The values of blood flow parameters found during the luteal phase of pregnant bitches were comparable to those of the normocyclic bitches. Doppler ultrasonography of the intraovarian arteries in bitches provides complementary information about cyclic changes of ovarian function.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of ovarian morphology and blood flow in prepubertal and pubertal cats

“…Ovarian morphology can be evaluated using two‐dimensional ultrasound, but this technique cannot provide information about organ function, such as vascular perfusion (Herzog & Bollwein, ). In dogs and dairy cattle, ovarian Doppler ultrasound has been successfully used to assess follicular and luteal phases (Köster, Poulsen Nautrup, & Gunzel‐Apel, ; Matsui & Miyamoto, ; Bergeron, Nykamp, Brisson, Madan, & Gartley, ). Doppler examination of the feline ovary has not been reported yet.…”

Trisomy-X with estrous cycle anomalies in two female dogs

“…Both dogs were shaved for the ultrasonographic examination and the examinations were performed by board-certified specialists. In Dog 1, both ovaries were inactive, but normal in size and shape for a bitch of her size and breed [9]. In Dog 2, the left ovary was mildly enlarged with multiple, 1 cm diameter, thin walled (<2 mm), fluid-filled cavities.…”

Assessment of cyclic changes of microvessels in ovine ovaries using sonovue® contrast-enhanced ultrasound

“…However, physiological changes in ovarian perfusion in the estrus cycle of animals (Koster et al 2001) or in the menstrual cycle of women (Scholtes et al 1989) may influence contrast enhancement by changes in microvessel density. Ovarian Doppler changes measured as resistance index or pulsatility index are similar in the luteal phase and in malignant tumors of the ovary; thus, the presence of a corpus luteum can induce a falsepositive diagnosis of ovarian cancer.…”

“…In rabbit trials, Brown et al (1998) demonstrated that contrast enhancement improved sonographic visualization of tumor perfusion and of changing patterns in tumors as they enlarged. Some studies have tested the accuracy of transrectal grey-scale ultrasonography in the ewe (Schrick et al 1993;Evans et al 2000;Vinoles et al 2004), but there are few studies using transvaginal US and Doppler in large animals (Brown et al 1980;Koster et al 2001;Bollwei et al 2002;Acosta et al 2003). There is also limited information on the use of power Doppler and contrast enhancement of the ovarian vascularization (Brown et al 1997).…”

“…There is also limited information on the use of power Doppler and contrast enhancement of the ovarian vascularization (Brown et al 1997). Cyclic changes modify ovarian perfusion and cause asymmetry in flow patterns between the two ovaries (Koster et al 2001), which may cause variability of the contrast parameters.…”