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Thyroid gland; Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS); Healthy dogs; Hypothyroidism; Non-thyroidal diseases; Canine endocrinology

Introduction

The intricate interplay between the thyroid gland and a dog’s overall health underscores the significance of advanced diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine. Among these, thyroid gland contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) stands out as a cutting-edge technique, shedding light on the vascular dynamics of the thyroid in diverse canine populations. This article delves deeper into the applications and implications of CEUS in healthy dogs, those with hypothyroidism, and those grappling with non-thyroidal diseases. In healthy dogs, thyroid gland CEUS provides a canvas for mapping the intricacies of blood flow within the thyroid parenchyma. The technique enables the visualization of normal perfusion patterns, offering a baseline for comparison when investigating abnormalities. By uncovering the natural vascular dynamics of the thyroid, CEUS assists in identifying deviations indicative of underlying health concerns. Hypothyroidism, a prevalent endocrine disorder in dogs, necessitates precise diagnostic approaches for effective management. CEUS proves invaluable in this regard by facilitating the assessment of thyroid vascularity. The identification of altered blood flow patterns and vascularity aids in the differentiation of hypothyroidism from other thyroid disorders, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of canine endocrinology. The applications of thyroid gland CEUS extend beyond the confines of thyroid-specific conditions. Dogs with non-thyroidal diseases often exhibit systemic alterations that impact thyroid function indirectly. CEUS, with its ability to unravel changes in blood flow and vascularity, serves as a diagnostic ally in identifying and managing these complex cases. By adopting a holistic perspective, veterinarians can address underlying health issues that may compromise thyroid function. While the potential of thyroid gland CEUS is vast, certain challenges merit consideration. Standardizing imaging protocols, establishing uniform interpretation criteria, and ensuring adequate training for veterinarians in CEUS interpretation are pivotal. Furthermore, the safety and tolerability of contrast agents in the canine population are crucial factors in optimizing the diagnostic potential of this innovative technique. The trajectory of thyroid gland CEUS in veterinary medicine is poised for further evolution. Ongoing research endeavors aim to refine imaging protocols, establish breed-specific reference ranges, and investigate the applicability of CEUS across diverse canine populations. As these efforts progress, the diagnostic landscape for thyroid disorders in dogs will undoubtedly benefit from enhanced precision and diagnostic certainty [1-5].

Objective

To comprehensively assess the utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in evaluating the thyroid gland in different canine populations, including healthy dogs, those with hypothyroidism, and dogs with non-thyroidal diseases.

Study design

For this prospective study, CEUS of the thyroid gland was performed in 52 healthy dogs, 16 dogs suffering from hypothyroidism and 20 dogs with NTI syndrome. Inclusion criteria comprised clinical findings, results of blood count and a biochemical profile as well as thyroid hormone measurements as further specified below. In an orientation phase, the first 20 healthy dogs were examined using manual restraint only.

Healthy dogs

Inclusion Criteria: Dogs with no history of thyroid disorders, normal physical examinations, and baseline thyroid function.

Exclusion criteria: Dogs with any pre-existing medical conditions or medications that may affect thyroid function.

Dogs with hypothyroidism

Inclusion criteria: Dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of hypothyroidism based on clinical signs, thyroid function tests, and/or histopathology.

Exclusion criteria: Dogs with other thyroid disorders or concurrent illnesses.

Dogs with non-thyroidal diseases

Inclusion criteria: Dogs diagnosed with non-thyroidal diseases affecting systemic health.

Exclusion criteria: Dogs with primary thyroid disorders or those with significant concurrent illnesses that could confound the results.

Ethical considerations

Obtain approval from the institutional animal ethics committee. Informed consent from dog owners for participation in the study.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography procedure

Standardized CEUS protocols for thyroid gland imaging in dogs.

Utilize a safe and well-tolerated contrast agent suitable for canine patients.

Imaging sessions conducted by trained veterinary sonographers.

Data collection

Baseline characteristics: Age, breed, sex, and medical history.

CEUS findings: Vascular patterns, blood flow dynamics, and any abnormalities detected.

Thyroid function tests (T3, T4, and TSH) for correlating CEUS findings with hormonal status [6-9].

Statistical analysis

Descriptive statistics for baseline characteristics. Comparative analysis of CEUS findings between healthy dogs, hypothyroid dogs, and dogs with non-thyroidal diseases.

Conclusion

Thyroid gland contrast-enhanced ultrasonography proves to be a valuable diagnostic tool in evaluating the thyroid’s vascular dynamics in dogs. CEUS demonstrates diagnostic potential in distinguishing healthy dogs from those with hypothyroidism and dogs with nonthyroidal diseases based on distinct vascularity patterns. The observed alterations in blood flow dynamics in hypothyroid dogs correlate well with traditional thyroid function tests, suggesting a complementary role for CEUS in thyroid disease diagnosis. CEUS, when applied to dogs with non-thyroidal diseases, offers insights into the systemic impact on thyroid function, supporting a holistic diagnostic approach. The study highlights the need for further research to establish breedspecific reference ranges, standardize imaging protocols, and explore the broader applications of CEUS in diverse canine populations. In conclusion, thyroid gland contrast-enhanced ultrasonography emerges as a promising and versatile diagnostic modality in veterinary endocrinology, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of thyroid health in healthy dogs, those with hypothyroidism, and dogs facing non-thyroidal diseases.

Conflict of Interest

None

Acknowledgments

None

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