Abdominal ultrasound finds more hidden problems than chest X-rays

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic yield of abdominal ultrasound and thoracic radiographs in an otherwise systemically healthy population of dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. METHODS: Medical records from 2 private-practice institutions were retrospectively reviewed to identify otherwise systemically healthy dogs undergoing an elective tibial plateau leveling osteotomy that were offered preoperative 3-view thoracic radiographs and/or abdominal ultrasound from June 1, 2019, through June 30, 2022. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed to compare the odds of diagnosing a new comorbidity and to analyze all patients that were offered preoperative imaging. RESULTS: A total of 258 client-owned dogs of various breeds were recorded between both hospitals. In total, 116 of 258 dogs (45.0%) solely received thoracic radiographs, 10 of 258 (3.9%) solely received abdominal ultrasound, and both were performed in 61 of 258 (23.6%). Eighty-seven of 258 dogs (33.7%) had either thoracic radiographs, abdominal ultrasound, or both performed preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: New comorbidities were diagnosed in 13.8% of patients with thoracic radiographs and in 70% of patients with abdominal ultrasound. Patients over the age of 12 years were more likely to have a new comorbidity diagnosed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Abdominal ultrasound is 163 times more likely to lead to diagnosis of a new comorbidity when compared to thoracic radiographs, and the incidence of a new diagnosis was more likely in dogs over the age of 12.