Ultrasound methods used for planning for cataract surgery in dogs

Cataract is an important disease on veterinary ophthalmology. Different techniques facilitate the classification of the cataracts, adding information obtained by the conventional eye exam. This review discusses different modalities of ultrasonography methods available for diagnosis and surgical planning in dogs with cataracts. A-Mode ultrasound is used to evaluate thickness and length of the lens. B-Mode also has the capacity to evaluate features of echogenicity, echotexture, position of the lens and the identification of retinal and vitreous degenerations. The ultrasonic biomicroscopy is useful in assessing the anterior capsule and the positioning of the lens. The Doppler method it is useful to detection of vascular changes in patients with cataracts. The elastography method however allows measuring the lens rigidity, which is extremely important for planning and surgical prognosis.