Ultrasonographic morphometry of gastrointestinal tract in dogs

The present study was conducted on 31 apparently healthy dogs with the objective to establish normal morphometry of gastro intestinal tract (GIT). The animals were divided into 3 groups based on their body weight viz. up to 15 kg (group A, n=8), >15 kg - 30 kg (group B, n=12) and > 30 kg (group C, n=11). The dogs were declared apparently normal on the basis of history, clinico-physiological parameters, haematology and fecal examination. Ultrasonographic evaluation of all the segments of GIT viz. fundus, pylorus, duodenum, jejunum and colon was done using 5-12 MHz linear array and 2-5 MHz convex transducers and the GIT was evaluated on the basis of wall thickness of the segments and quality of wall layering. The mean values of wall thickness for each segment of GIT was worked out. It was found that the wall thickness of various segments of GIT was significantly (P<0.05) lower in dogs below 15 kg body weight group but did not vary in higher weight groups. Good wall layering with ultrasonographic differentiation of all the four layers of serosa, muscularis, submucosa and mucosa in GIT wall was found to be good indicator of healthy GIT in dogs.