Fetal pulmonary ultrasounds as a predictive method for the maturity of canine fetuses in the final gestation phase of pregnancy

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the stiffness of the lung parenchyma of canine fetuses in late pregnancy in bitches by means of ARFI elastography (AcousticRadiation Force Impulse), determining qualitative and quantitative standards not yet described in veterinary for this imaging technique, with order to predict the maturity of fetuses. 15 females will be used, weighing between 5-25 pounds, 2-5 years old, of different breeds in different reproductive stages (primiparous and multiparous). After conducting preliminary examinations and checked the healthiness of the animals, these will be submitted to conventional ultrasound examinations and ultrasound elastography (ARFI method quantitative and qualitative) of the lung parenchyma, with the use of ultrasound apparatus ACUSON S2000/SIEMEN and specific software. The exams will be conducted daily in the eighth gestational week bitches until the day of calving, and checked the sonographic findings of fetal lungs, echogenicity values, shear rate (elastográfica quantitative review) of parenchyma Evaluated and Their stiffness characteristics (qualitative assessment elastográfica). The experimental design is randomized and uses a significance level of 5% for all tests. (AU)