Ultrasonographic evaluation of umbilical structures in Holstein calves: A comparison between healthy calves and calves affected by umbilical disorders

摘要

The aim of this study was to evaluate, during thefirst 4 wk of life, the involution of umbilical structuresin clinically healthy calves and in calves affected byumbilical disorders, in both B-mode and color Dopplerultrasonography. The present study was carried outon 63 Holstein Friesian calves, divided into 3 differentgroups: group H (clinically healthy, n = 17), group A,(affected by omphaloarteritis, n = 24), and group V(affected by omphalophlebitis, n = 22). B-mode ultrasonographywas performed at weekly intervals, usinga portable device (LOGIQ Book XP, GE Healthcare,Little Chalfont, UK) and a linear multifrequency 7 to10 MHz probe. In addition to the ultrasound examinations,the umbilicus of the calves was also evaluatedusing a color Doppler. The extra-abdominal as well asthe intra-abdominal hemodynamics within the umbilicalstructures were evaluated using 3 different ranges ofspeed-flow detections (23, 14, and 7 cm/s). In healthycalves, as the age increased, the umbilical structuresdecreased in size and their ultrasonographic identificationbecame more difficult. Conversely, in affectedcalves the umbilical structures did not show the sameprogressive reduction of external diameters and areas,but had an irregular trend of regression. Also the colorDoppler ultrasonography showed a significant differencein frequency and percentage of speed-flow in theearly days of examination between the 3 groups, withthe most reliable results detected from the umbilicalarteries. In our experimental study, omphaloarteritiscould be detected at the d 1 color Doppler exam, witha 100% specificity and a 100% positive predictive value.