Ultrasonographic Findings of the Liver in Lori Breed Sheep

Objective: The aim of this study was ultrasonographic findings and technique ofthe liver in the Lori breed sheep.Design: Descriptive study.Animals: 10 clinically healthy, female sheep.Procedures: Ultrasound examination of liver performed from the caudal aspect of13th rib to the 7th intercostals spaces (ICS). The possibility of liver imaging fromeach ICS, distance between the position of liver in each view from the dorsalmidline while expiration, echogenicity of liver, depth of liver, depth and diameterof portal vein and caudal vena cava, position and size of gall bladder weresurveyed.Results: The liver tissue was completely accessible from 7th to 12th ICS. The liverparenchyma was echogenic, homogeneous and medium level of echogenicity. Theparenchymal pattern of liver consists of numerous weak echoes homogenouslydistributed over the entire liver. Anechoic round and tubular vascular structures wereseen within hepatic tissues, representing hepatic and portal veins. The caudal venacava was consistently positioned dorsal and medial to the portal vein andcompletely accessible between the 9th to 12th ICS. The portal vein was usuallyvisualized in the 9th to 12th ICS. It was round or slightly oval in shape. Thediameter was decreasing toward the cranial while the depth was increasing. Thegall bladder was visualized in most of sheep.Conclusion: Results of this study provide reference values for ultrasonographicexamination of the liver of another breed of sheep.