Cadaveric, organ bath and real time ultrasonographic studies on liver and associated structures in calves

Hepatic disorders though prevalent in cattle especially in calves received negligible attention for their definitive diagnosis. Clinical evaluation of liver remained dependent on laboratory estimation of hepato specific biochemicals which often lead to misdiagnosis. The present detailed three phase study was aimed at determining ultrasonographic evaluation of liver and its associated structures in calves up to 9 months of age to develop a baseline data that could be used for their diagnostic evaluation.

Calves were divided in three groups viz. neonatal, preruminant and ruminating; Cadaveric and in vitro organ bath ultrasonographic studies (n=2 in each group) was followed by comparative real time in vivo ultrasonography on live calves (n=6 in each corresponding group).

Liver was seen in right 5^th to 11^th Intercostal space (ICS) in most neonatal calves, 6^th to 11^th ICS in preruminant calves and from 8^th ICS to the area just beyond the last rib in ruminating calves. Parenchyma appeared smooth isoechogenic intercepted with portal vein branches. Echobiometric parameters showed statistically significant difference among three groups of animals. Gallbladder appeared pyriform depicted mostly in 9^th ICS. Caudal vena cava appeared triangular and was seen at 9^th to 11^th ICS, except in ruminating calves. Portal vein was prominent in 10 ICS. Amongst identical age groups, the comparative parameters, resembled largely in different studies.