Abstract
In this issue there is a welcome return of veterinary ultrasound. Martinez Pereira offers a fascinating overview of cardiac ultrasound in our furry and not so furry friends. While there is clear guidance on performing echocardiography in dogs and cats, some improvisation is required for more exotic creatures. The cardiac structure of birds, reptiles and spiders differs greatly from that of the mammalian heart. This paper explains the anatomy and methods of overcoming some of the difficulties of imaging such a broad spectrum of creatures. Mantis provides a concise summary of how ultrasound may be used on small animals in the emergency setting. He includes both thoracic and abdominal applications. Certainly, there are many similarities between animal and human focussed assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST scanning). Still in the emergency setting, the latest paper in the PoCUS series is by John Sloan who offers a step by step guide to vascular access using bed-side ultrasound. This is featured, as always, towards the back of the issue.
A well illustrated pictorial essay on renal transplant appearances by Belfield et al. is a useful refresher for those involved in transplant surveillance and has excellent educational value for those not. Both normal and abnormal appearances are included.
A team from Bristol suggests alternative positions for examining patients being investigated for venous insufficiency. Their method may be safer and more acceptable not only to the patients but also to the ultrasound practitioner as it may allow them to work in a more comfortable position thus reducing the chance of developing musculoskeletal problems. Ralph et al. report on the efficacy of stent surveillance in the superficial femoral artery one year after insertion, while Jan et al. add further evidence to support the use of local anaesthetic when performing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsies. Interestingly, in our regular ‘Echoes’ column in this issue, Mike Weston refers to a study published earlier this year which reports on men's experiences in relation to prostate biopsies. It suggests that even where local anaesthesia is administered routinely, there may still be a need for standardization of technique in order to improve outcomes. If this is your field, this is definitely worth looking up after reading the paper by Jan et al. While on the subject of ‘Echoes’, Mike also comments on a paper which is likely to interest PoCUS users… .
One case report is included in this issue, written by myself and two former colleagues. We provide an example of an unusual and perplexing liver mass with many suspicious features, which was later diagnosed as benign. Also included is a book review on a top text on obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound.
This year's annual scientific meeting is in Telford in December. The programme is being organized by Dr Emma Chung, my predecessor here at the journal, and she is ensuring a packed schedule with something for everyone. There is still plenty of time to submit abstracts for presentation. The deadline for submission for scientific posters and presentations is 24 July. Abstract presenters will be offered reduced registration fees. In addition to Telford, another top-quality CPD opportunity is the excellent line-up scheduled for this year's BMUS Summer School at Bristol Zoo. Details of both can be found on the BMUS website at