The aim of this literature review was to present the novel imaging modalities elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. We provided an overview of the concepts and applications of each technique for the investigation of neoplastic and metastatic tumors in dogs and cats. Studies on elastography are based on the elasticity and deformation of the evaluated tissue. The information obtained from the different types of elastography can aid in the detection and differentiation of malignant and benign structures. Descriptions of elastography studies in several organs and tissue in veterinary medicine reported that, in general, malignant tumors tend to be more rigid and, therefore, less deformable than benign lesions or in comparison to the healthy parenchyma. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is based on the intravenous injection of contrast media constituted by microbubbles. This imaging modality can be performed in nonsedated animals and provides information on the tissue perfusion, allowing the investigation of macro- and micro-circulation. Studies on different organs and tissues were performed in dogs and cats and revealed a tendency of malignant tumors to present faster transit of the contrast media (time to wash-in, peak and wash-out). These advanced techniques can be associated with other imaging modalities, aiding important information to the well-established exams of B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography. They can be used as screening tests, potentially representing an alternative to the invasive sampling methods required for cytological and histopathological analysis.

The high incidence of mammary tumors in small animals is concerning. Patient history, clinical examination, physical evaluation, and imaging studies are important for clinical staging. Ultrasonography is commonly applied to investigate the presence of abdominal metastasis. However, it has been shown to provide important information regarding mammary tumors’ architecture and advanced sonographic techniques can provide information regarding neovascularization, stiffness, and perfusion. Different techniques have been investigated to determine accuracy to predict the lesions’ histological classification. This paper reviews the information regarding each sonographic technique in the evaluation of mammary tumors, describing the most common findings and their potential to accurately assess and predict malignancy. Even though the gold standard for the diagnosis of mammary lesions is the histopathological examination, some ultrasonographic features described can predict the potential of a lesion being malignant. Among the different sonographic techniques, elastography can be considered the most reliable modality to accurately differentiate benign from malignant tumors when malignant lesions present increased stiffness. However, the combination of all sonographic techniques can provide important information that can lead to a better therapeutic approach and clinical staging. Furthermore, the potential of the sonographic study, especially CEUS to monitor therapeutic progression, demonstrate the need of further studies.

Premature regression of corpora lutea (PRCL) may adversely affect the outcome of hormonal ovarian superstimulation in small ruminants, and the total dose of exogenous gonadotropins used may be one of the causes of this condition. There were two major objectives of the present study: (1) to evaluate the effects of different superovulatory doses of porcine follicle-stimulating hormone (pFSH) on the biometry, blood perfusion (Doppler), and echotextural characteristics of luteal structures; and, (2) to determine the usefulness of biometric, vascular, and echotextural luteal variables, as well as measurements of circulating progesterone (P₄) concentrations for early detection of PRCL in superovulated Santa Inês ewes. Twenty-seven Santa Inês ewes received an intravaginal P₄-releasing device (CIDR) from Days 0 to 8 (Day 0 = random day of the anovulatory period). An IM injection of d-cloprostenol (37.5 μg) was given at the time of the CIDR insertion and withdrawal. On Day 6, all the ewes received 300 IU of eCG IM and were divided into three treatment groups (each n = 9): G100 (100 mg); G133 (133 mg); and G200 (200 mg of pFSH) administered IM every 12 h in eight injections. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography and jugular blood sampling for serum P₄ measurements were performed on Days 11 to 15. On the day of embryo recovery (Day 15), all the ewes underwent diagnostic videolaparoscopy and were classified, based on their luteal characteristics, into three response groups: nCL (ewes with normal CL only); rCL (ewes with regressing CL only); and ewes with both nCL and rCL following the superovulatory regimen. Our present results indicate that the total pFSH doses of 100 mg and 200 mg result in similar ovulatory responses and luteal function/biometrics, although the percentage of donor ewes with nCL was greater (p < 0.05) for G100 compared with the G200 animals. An application of 133 mg of pFSH was associated with diminished luteogenesis. Lastly, circulating P₄ concentrations, ultrasonographic estimates of total luteal area, and CL pixel heterogeneity (standard deviation of numerical pixel values) are promising markers of luteal inadequacy in superovulated ewes.

In women, high-definition ultrasonography provides high-quality images of normal and diseased tissues throughout pregnancy, however there are no veterinary studies describing the use of this technology in pregnant dogs. The objective was to evaluate pregnant female dogs daily, using high-definition ultrasonography (HD) in brachycephalic, documenting daily findings of maternal-fetal structures. Twelve healthy brachycephalic females were evaluated daily by HD ultrasound until delivery. It was possible to identify and categorize all maternal, embryonic, and fetal structures and their development, including some fetal tissues not yet described in the literature. The HD exam is an excellent method to monitor the pregnancy of female dogs and identify structures early, providing safe and complete information regarding fetal development.

Background: Calcium carbide has been used not only in industry, but it is also present in the domestic environment. Thissubstance goes through chemical reactions that lead to the release of acetylene gas and heat being capable of causing burns, damage to mucous membranes, eyes and skin, central nervous system depression and also described as an anesthetic agent. It is lethal in concentrations of 35 % for humans and 80 % for dogs. Although reports that involve this substance in animals as scarce, emergency calls related to intoxication are part of the small animal clinical routine. This report aims to describe laboratory and ultrasonography findings in a case of carbide poisoning in a dog.Case: A 8-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier with a history of emesis, bloody diarrhea, hiporexy, oligodipsy and ingestion of calcium carbide for 3 days was admitted for medical care at the University Veterinary Hospital of Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). The patient had a previous diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism which was treated with sodium liothyronine 800 mg prescribed by another professional and whose dose was reduced to 600 mg by the owner without veterinary indication. Physical examination showed a high body score, evident lameness of the hind limbs, hyperemic mucosa with elevated time of capillary perfusion and an increase of mandibular and popliteal lymph nodes. Dehydration, fever, elevated heart and respiratory rates and skin lesions of the front limbs were also noted. The main possible differentiate diagnosis based on these clinical signs and history presented by the patient were poisoning calcium carbide intoxication, diabetes mellitus and hypoadrenocorticism. The dog was hospitalized to receive initial treatment and undergo further examination The first treatment instituted was dipyrone [Dipyrone Ibasa 50%® - 15 mg/kg, i.v, TID, for 3 days], tramadol hydrochloride [3 mL/kg, i.v, TID, for 2 days], sucralfate [Sucrafilm® - 5 mg/mL, v.o, TID, for 2 days],maropitant citrate [Cerenia® - 0.1 mg/kg, sc, SID, for 3 days], omeprazole [1 mg/kg, i.v, SID, for 3 days], levothyroxine [300 mg, ½ (half) tablet, v.o, BID, for 2 days]. Blood results have shown leukocytosis (19,600; reference 5,700-14,200) e lymphopenia (196/μL; reference 900/μL-4,700/μL) and in the biochemical tests, there was an increase in triglycerides (175 mg/L; reference 23 mg/L-102 mg/L), without signs of renal or hepatic lesions. In the ultrasonography exam, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly with a heterogeneous parenchyma were noticed. Alteration of the gastrointestinal tract with a thickened wall was also noticed associated with gas in the digestive tract and hyperechoic area in mucous layer. These findings are compatible with reports of mucosal irritation associated with this substance. The pancreas parenchyma was slightly heterogeneous and hyperechoic with enlargement of the body and small disperse hyperechoic focuses. Left adrenal images were compatible with clinical suspicions of hyperadrenocorticism.Discussion: All the alterations found in the imaging exam were compatible with the clinical signs due to direct contact with the substance in question. Dystrophic mineralization focuses found in spleen and pancreas can be due to the alterations of phosphorus and calcium even if not described in literature associated with calcium carbide poisoning. In conclusion, the clinical signs presented, and the image findings of this patient confirmed the danger and potentially lethal effects of the contact and ingestion of calcium carbide. The literature about this subject is scarce and deeply in need of more attention associated with new measures for prevention, instruction to owners and development of diagnose and treatment emergency protocols of these animals. Keywords: ultrasonography, dog, intoxication, toxicity.