Ultrasonographic evaluation of right adrenal gland in healthy dogs

An ultrasonographic study was undertaken to examine the adrenal glands in 18 apparently healthy dogs. The animals were divided into three groups of six animals each: group I (0-9 mos), group II (> 9 mos up to 6 yr) and group III (> 6 yr). Ultrasonographic examination of right adrenal gland was done in left lateral recumbency using a 7.5 MHz linear transducer. Ultrasonographic images of right adrenal gland were recorded in sagittal plane and various dimensions were measured. The length of right adrenal gland was 1.57±0.12 cm, 2.1±0.10 cm and 2.20±0.27 cm in groups I, II and III, respectively. The cranial pole diameter of right adrenal gland was 0.36±0.03 cm, 0.48±0.03 cm and 0.61±0.07 cm in groups I, II and III, respectively. The caudal pole diameter of right adrenal gland was 0.39±0.04 cm, 0.54±0.05 cm and 0.56±0.08 cm in groups I, II and III, respectively. The right adrenal gland was at a distance of 1.1±0.13 cm from the skin in group I, 1.56±0.27 cm in group II and 1.86±0.21 cm in group III. The volume of gland was 0.63±0.14 mL, 1.68±0.24 mL and 2.06±0.44 mL in groups I, II and III, respectively.