Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in sheep

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a recent imaging technique that uses microbubble contrast agents to obtain additional information relating to tissue vascularity and tissue perfusion. In veterinary medicine, CEUS has proven its usefulness in a large variety of diseases, mainly in dogs and cats. The most common indication is differentiation between benign and malignant lesions in abdominal organs, frequently in the liver. Although only a few experimental reports in sheep are available in literature, CEUS is of particular interest in ovine diseases involving disturbances in vascularisation, e.g., vascular, inflammatory or neoplastic disorders. The article reviews the basic physics of CEUS and different contrast media. Also, some practical considerations about the procedure are mentioned. Current and future potential clinical applications in sheep are discussed. Safety matters and contraindications are also described.