Ultrassonografia transcraniana em cães hígidos: padronização da técnica e descrição anatômica

The study of the nervous system is increasing in Veterinary Medicine. Transcranial ultrasonography (TCUS) has the advantage of being a non-invasive and low cost method compared to computerized tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The temporal bone has been used as an acoustic window in TCUS in humans. This study aimed to correlate transcranial ultrasonographic images obtained through the temporal and occipital window with healthy dog's encephalic anatomy, and to standardize the technique. 37 adult mongrel dogs were used: 30 animals in vivo, in order to perform USTC screening and seven dog corpses for brain section as well as USTC planes. Data analysis was accomplished by the non parametric Wilcoxon test. Results obtained indicate that TCUS (in dorsal and oblique planes) is a viable method for brain evaluation in dogs weighting up to 10kg without anesthesia.