Avaliação semiológica e diagnóstico em pequenos animais - AULA 26

Summary

This educational video covers the ultrasonographic evaluation of the spleen and adrenal glands in small animals. It discusses their location, anatomical features, and various clinical indications for ultrasound, such as trauma, metastases, or abdominal distension. The video highlights the importance of identifying the spleen's position relative to the stomach, intestines, and kidneys, as well as the role of the adrenal glands in the body. Emphasis is placed on proper imaging techniques and recognizing potential pathologies, including splenomegaly, torsion, and adrenal tumors. It also covers the normal ecotexture and size measurements in dogs and cats, making it an essential guide for veterinary ultrasonography.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ultrasound examination of the spleen and adrenal glands in small animals is crucial for diagnosing various conditions such as peritoneal effusion, metastasis, and trauma.
• 😀 The spleen is located in the cranial abdomen on the left side, adjacent to the greater curvature of the stomach, and can be affected by conditions like gastric torsion that could compromise blood flow.
• 😀 Spleen evaluation should include both longitudinal and transverse scans to properly assess its cranial and caudal regions, as issues can often be hidden under the ribs or in the caudal curve.
• 😀 The spleen is closely associated with the colon and small intestine, and its position can vary due to anatomical differences in animals, especially in larger breeds.
• 😀 The normal appearance of the spleen on ultrasound is a smooth, homogeneous, and slightly granular echotexture, with its echogenicity being higher than that of the liver and kidneys in dogs.
• 😀 In cats, the spleen's echogenicity is affected by the amount of fat in the kidneys, making it appear more echogenic compared to the kidneys.
• 😀 For splenic measurements, the size and border sharpness are important indicators, and an abnormally enlarged spleen can indicate conditions like splenomegaly or lymphoma.
• 😀 The adrenal glands are located dorsally, in close proximity to the kidneys, and can be identified by moving the ultrasound probe medially from the kidneys.
• 😀 The adrenal glands have a distinctive cortical and medullary structure, and ultrasound can often differentiate between them by the varying echogenicities.
• 😀 Ultrasound examination of the adrenal glands helps in diagnosing conditions like tumors, especially when the adrenal tissue is in contact with large vessels such as the aorta and abdominal cava, which can influence the spread of tumors.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the lesson described in the transcript?

The main focus of the lesson is on ultrasonography and its role in identifying alterations related to the adrenal glands and spleen in small animals.

When is ultrasonography typically recommended for small animals?

Ultrasonography is recommended when abdominal masses are detected through clinical examination, in cases of peritoneal effusion, metastasis research, persistent anemia, splenomegaly, trauma, hypotension, or abdominal distension.

Where is the spleen located in small animals?

The spleen is located in the cranial abdomen, on the left side, and is adjacent to the greater curvature of the stomach. It is also positioned laterocranial to the left kidney.

What is the relationship between the spleen and the stomach?

The spleen is connected to the stomach by a ligament, and when gastric torsion occurs, the spleen can also rotate, potentially causing a reduction or total blockage of blood flow to the spleen.

What should be considered when performing an ultrasonographic evaluation of the spleen?

An ultrasonographic evaluation should include both longitudinal and transverse scans to check the cranial and caudal regions of the spleen, as alterations may be hidden beneath the ribs or in the caudal curve of the spleen.

What common complication related to the spleen can result from trauma?

Trauma to the spleen can lead to rupture, which may cause severe internal bleeding and is life-threatening if not promptly treated.

What is the typical appearance of the spleen in ultrasonography in dogs and cats?

In dogs, the spleen appears as a smooth, homogenous, slightly granular structure with higher echogenicity compared to the liver and kidneys. In cats, it has a similar smooth texture but may appear more echogenic due to the higher lipid content in the spleen.

What anatomical structures surround the adrenal glands?

The adrenal glands are located in the dorsal abdomen, medial to the kidneys, and are closely associated with the aorta and the caudal vena cava.

How are the adrenal glands differentiated on ultrasonography?

The adrenal glands can be differentiated on ultrasonography by their hypoechoic appearance compared to surrounding tissues, especially due to the surrounding fat. The cortical and medullary regions are also distinguishable.

What is the clinical significance of identifying adrenal gland issues through ultrasonography?

Identifying issues with the adrenal glands through ultrasonography is crucial for detecting potential tumors, such as adrenal carcinoma, and other disorders that may affect the gland's function, which could lead to systemic complications like hypertension or hormonal imbalances.