Ultrasonographic Examination of the Soft Palate in Dogs

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PurposeThe aim of this study is to characterize the regular sonographic anatomy of the soft palate using several transducer techniques. Furthermore, we examine reliable measurements of thickness of the palate by sonographic examination in standardized transducer positions.Material & MethodsThe study was performed on seven dog cadavers. We applied five different linear transducers with several footprints and frequencies. The native examinations were performed via submental approach. Additionally the scanner was applied intraorally depending on the shape of the ultrasonic probe. The studies were performed in three or four probe positions in sagittal and transversal sections. Subsequently the detected anatomic structures were reexamined by submental approach in a water bath. Afterwards the single anatomic layers were dissected starting with the submental layers working up towards the soft palate. After every single preparation a sonographic examination was carried out.ResultsThe transition between the hard palate and the soft palate as well as the middle section of the soft palate was distinguished from the surrounding tissue by submental native examination in all cases. Visualization of the caudal part of the velum is limited. Identification of anatomical structures is influenced by the choice of the applied transducer. In general, frequencies in the range of 9-11 MHZ depending on the depth of penetration are preferred.ConclusionIn this fundamental study, the sonographic examination of the soft palate applying cadavers was realized. The chosen submental approach made the differentiation between intraoral structures possible. PurposeThe aim of this study is to characterize the regular sonographic anatomy of the soft palate using several transducer techniques. Furthermore, we examine reliable measurements of thickness of the palate by sonographic examination in standardized transducer positions. The aim of this study is to characterize the regular sonographic anatomy of the soft palate using several transducer techniques. Furthermore, we examine reliable measurements of thickness of the palate by sonographic examination in standardized transducer positions. Material & MethodsThe study was performed on seven dog cadavers. We applied five different linear transducers with several footprints and frequencies. The native examinations were performed via submental approach. Additionally the scanner was applied intraorally depending on the shape of the ultrasonic probe. The studies were performed in three or four probe positions in sagittal and transversal sections. Subsequently the detected anatomic structures were reexamined by submental approach in a water bath. Afterwards the single anatomic layers were dissected starting with the submental layers working up towards the soft palate. After every single preparation a sonographic examination was carried out. The study was performed on seven dog cadavers. We applied five different linear transducers with several footprints and frequencies. The native examinations were performed via submental approach. Additionally the scanner was applied intraorally depending on the shape of the ultrasonic probe. The studies were performed in three or four probe positions in sagittal and transversal sections. Subsequently the detected anatomic structures were reexamined by submental approach in a water bath. Afterwards the single anatomic layers were dissected starting with the submental layers working up towards the soft palate. After every single preparation a sonographic examination was carried out. ResultsThe transition between the hard palate and the soft palate as well as the middle section of the soft palate was distinguished from the surrounding tissue by submental native examination in all cases. Visualization of the caudal part of the velum is limited. Identification of anatomical structures is influenced by the choice of the applied transducer. In general, frequencies in the range of 9-11 MHZ depending on the depth of penetration are preferred. The transition between the hard palate and the soft palate as well as the middle section of the soft palate was distinguished from the surrounding tissue by submental native examination in all cases. Visualization of the caudal part of the velum is limited. Identification of anatomical structures is influenced by the choice of the applied transducer. In general, frequencies in the range of 9-11 MHZ depending on the depth of penetration are preferred. ConclusionIn this fundamental study, the sonographic examination of the soft palate applying cadavers was realized. The chosen submental approach made the differentiation between intraoral structures possible. In this fundamental study, the sonographic examination of the soft palate applying cadavers was realized. The chosen submental approach made the differentiation between intraoral structures possible.