title: Intra- and inter-observer variability in ultrasonographical measurements of the uterus and ovaries in healthy, non-pregnant queens.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to (1) evaluate how frequently the uterus and ovaries of healthy, non-pregnant queens are visible; (2) describe their appearance; (3) take their measurements; and (4) determine intra- and inter-observer variabilities in their measurements. We hypothesised that, using a high-frequency linear probe, the uterus and ovaries could be ultrasonographically visualised during any period of the sexual cycle and with any level of operator expertise.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight queens were enrolled in the study and the ultrasonographical appearance of their uterus and ovaries assessed with a high-frequency linear probe of 15-19 MHz. The diameter of the uterine horns, body and cervix in transverse and longitudinal sections, and the length of the ovaries were recorded. Three observers of different expertise level participated in the study, and the differences between the separate measurements made per queen were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The ovaries and the entire uterus were visualised in every queen. The ovaries were ovoid structures with submillimetric follicles during anoestrus and additional larger follicles depending on the stage of the cycle. An ovarian pattern suggesting cortex and medulla was observed in half the cases. In the uterus, the serosa was a thin hyperechoic outer rim, and layering was observed in half the cases. The cervix was difficult to identify. The intra- and inter-observer variabilities in the uterine horns and the ovaries were minimal (coefficient of variation [CV] 1.4-4.1%) compared with the differences within the queens (CV 10.9-43.4%). The longitudinal and transverse measurements of the horns and the uterine body were the same.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ovaries and uterine horns in queens are accessible ultrasonographically at any stage of their cycle, and can be measured with low intra- and inter-observer variabilities.
authors: University Ghent, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Medical Imaging and Orthopedics of Small Animals, Merelbeke, Belgium laure.gatel@gmail.com.
authors: Laure
authors: L
authors: Gatel
authors: Azurvet Center, Cagne sur mer, France.
authors: Guillaume
authors: G
authors: Gory
authors: VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Marcy l'etoile, France UR 346 Epidemiologie Animale, INRA, Saint Genes Champanelle, France.
authors: Karine
authors: K
authors: Chalvet-Monfray
authors: University Ghent, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Medical Imaging and Orthopedics of Small Animals, Merelbeke, Belgium.
authors: Jimmy H
authors: JH
authors: Saunders
authors: Azurvet Center, Cagne sur mer, France.
authors: Delphine N
authors: DN
authors: Rault
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D015588:Observer Variation; D010053:Ovary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000254:growth & development; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000662:veterinary; D014599:Uterus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000254:growth & development