The Use of Doppler Ultrasonography in the Examination of Testicles in Dogs

Abstract

Doppler ultrasonography is method suitable for observing and measuring the blood supply of many organs. Its principle is the change in the frequency of wave blood that moves with respect to the source of the wave (probe). In a testicular examination, the use of Doppler can also be very useful for detecting abnormalities or pathological conditions. The aim is just to characterize the flow in arteria testicularis in clinically healthy dogs aged 1-5 years. Twelve dogs were included in the study, of which 6 were rough collies weighing approximately 23 kg and 6 were standard dachshunds weighing approximately 9 kg. The pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) of a.testicularis, as well as the dimensions of the testicles - height and depth, were assessed by ultrasonographic examination using the ALOKA ProSound Alpha 6 ultrasonographic device (Hitachi-Aloka, Japan). The statistical evaluation of the results shows that the differences between the averages of both measurements of PI and RI indices are highly significant, so the weight of the individual had a high effect on the measured values of PI and RI indices. The depth of the testicles was also directly related to the increasing values of PI and RI indices and to the weight of the dogs, in contrast to their height, which did not show any statistical significance in this respect. The measured values and findings may in the future also serve as a basis for determining reference values in testicular ultrasonography according to the weight of dogs, which may be beneficial in clinical status assessment, diagnosis of various pathological conditions, or predicting spermatogenesis and fertility of the individuals.