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Doppler Ultrasound in Canine Pregnancy

Cardiology Service (P.G.B., D.O.A.) and Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology (C.G.), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina.

Address correspondence to Paula G Blanco, MV, Cardiology Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National University of La Plata and National Research Council, 60 y 118, CC296 (B1900 AVW) La Plata, Argentina. E-mail: pgblanco{at}gmail.com

Objective. The aim of this article is to review the current knowledge of Doppler ultrasound in canine pregnancy. A brief introduction of Doppler principles and their applications in human obstetrics is also included. Methods. A review of the peer-reviewed published literature was conducted of the articles pertaining to the use of Doppler ultrasound in canine pregnancy, general Doppler principles, and Doppler applications in human obstetrics. Results. In bitches, Doppler ultrasound has been used to assess ovarian, uterine, umbilical, fetal aorta, common carotid artery, and fetal caudal vena cava blood flow during normal gestation. Most of these vessels increase their blood flow during normal pregnancy. The resistive index and systolic/diastolic ratio of the uterine arteries have been recently described in an experimental pharmacologically induced model of abnormal canine gestation. Both indices progressively increase up to abortion, probably because of progesterone deprivation. Moreover, resistive index abnormalities have been found in canine cases of spontaneous abnormal gestations as described in human medicine. Conclusions. Doppler ultrasound is a useful method for assessing development of the placental and fetal circulation during normal and abnormal canine pregnancy. Further studies are still necessary to widely use this technique in clinical practice.

Key Words: dog • Doppler ultrasound • fetus • resistive index • systolic/diastolic ratio

Abbreviations: PI, pulsatility index • RI, resistive index • S/D, systolic/diastolic ratio