Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 43:179-186 (2007)
© 2007 American Animal Hospital Association
The Clinical Utility of the Right Lateral Intercostal Ultrasound Scan Technique in Dogs
Erin L. Brinkman, DVM,
David S. Biller, DVM, Diplomate ACVR,
Laura J. Armbrust, DVM, Diplomate ACVR and
Robert T. O’Brien, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVR
From the Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66506.
When performing abdominal ultrasonography in dogs, the right aspect of the liver, porta hepatis, right kidney, right adrenal gland, pancreas, and duodenum are often not fully visible from a ventral, or subcostal, approach. The right lateral intercostal plane is an alternative approach that allows evaluation of these structures. This report provides multiple case examples that demonstrate the sonographic anatomy via the right intercostal approach. Other cases are included to demonstrate indications for this approach. Animals in which the right intercostal approach may prove most useful include large- and giant-breed dogs; deep-chested dogs; dogs with gas distention of the stomach, duodenum, and colon; dogs with microhepatia; and those with abdominal effusion and pain.
Copyright © 2007 by the American Animal Hospital Association.
