2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

A specific cause of dysphagia was not identified in 17.7% of dogs and further studies are warranted to better elucidate the causes of dysphagia in these animals. The findings of this study should help prioritize the workup of dysphagic dogs and highlights the clinical utility of videofluoroscopic swallow studies. Definitive diagnosis of feline infiltrative small intestinal (SI) disease is challenging, and debate exists as to which biopsy tech-nique is optimal. Ultrasound may be useful in selecting biopsy type. The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of ultrasound examination to predict the presence and location of histologic lesions by segment and tissue layer of the SI. The records of cats who had an abdominal ultrasound and full thickness SI biopsies within 1 month were reviewed retrospectively. Ultrasonographic images were reviewed by a single radiologist and assessed for lesions such as abnormal wall thickness, layering, echogenicity, or mural masses. Pathologists graded all histopathologic samples according to WSAVA standards. For both ultrasound and biopsy, each wall layer of SI was evaluated for lesions in each section available for review. The ability of ultrasonographic lesions within a specific wall layer of SI to predict the presence of histologic change in that wall layer was assessed.