Ultrasonographic characteristics of soft tissue tumours in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and describe the ultrasonographic features of soft tissue tumours in dogs.


METHODS
Superficial soft tissue tumours of various histological types, including mast cell tumours (MCTs) and soft tissue sarcomas (STSs), were evaluated. Ultrasound was used to visualise internal characteristics of the tumour, including vascularity. Tumours were categorised according to size, shape, margin definition, tissue plane mobility, echogenicity, echotexture, acoustic shadowing or enhancement and vessel distribution. Objective measurements of intratumoural blood flow included velocities and maximal perfused cross-sectional area (fractional area). Logistic regression models incorporating a variety of data were used in an attempt to predict the histopathological type of tumours.


RESULTS
The logistic regression model defined by the parameters echotexture, margin definition and presence of subcapsular vessels was highly predictive of MCTs (> 73%; P = 0.024). Several other trends, including a larger size for STSs and less vascularity for both MCTs and STSs, were observed, but did not reach statistical significance.


CONCLUSIONS
This preliminary study has shown the potential diagnostic value of ultrasound in differentiating soft tissue tumours. However, at present, ultrasound cannot replace biopsy and histopathological evaluation for tumour diagnosis.
Loh
Z H K
ZH
University Veterinary Centre, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Allan
G S
GS
Nicoll
R G
RG
Hunt
G B
GB
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008415:Mastocytosis / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / Q000662:veterinary