Trans-Endoscopic Ultrasonography of the
Oesophagus and Gastrointestinal Tract in Dogs and Cats: Pathological
Findings
O Capitani1*,
G Spinella1, F Fiorelli1, M Conte2,
M Vagnini1 and M Gualtieri3
1Veterinary
Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences,
University of Bologna, Italy; 2Ambulatorio Veterinario
Destra Adige, Villa Lagarina (Tn); 3Department of
Veterinary Clinical Science, University of Milan, Italy;
*Corresponding author: ombretta.capitani@unibo.it
Abstract
This study aimed to
report our experience in clinical application of Trans-Endoscopic Ultrasound
(TEUS) to the gastrointestinal tract. TEUS was performed on 9 dogs and 2 cats,
using a 2.6 mm 12-20 MHz-mini-probe, introduced through the operative channel of
a 9.7-mm-flexible endoscope. The ultrasonographic probe had 360° vision around
the transducer (radial probe). TEUS examinations were well tolerated by all
animals. Experience and practice
reduced the time required for examination (on the average 45 min) for a complete
endoscopic and TEUS examination. Out of 11 animals, two had esophageal stenosis,
two showed gastric carcinoma, two had duodenitis, two exhibited rectal polyposis,
one had lymphoma and ileocecal intussusception, one had rectal adenocarcinoma
and one showed chronic gastritis. Thus, combination of ultrasound and endoscopy
allowed intrinsic limits of both techniques to be overcome, enabling a complete
diagnostic protocol and/or a minimally invasive surgical procedure. In malignant
neoplasia, TEUS provided prognostic information for TNM grading.