Objectives-To determine the sonographic dimensions and an imaging prot
ocol for the pyloric region of the normal canine stomach, and whether
sonography could be used to demonstrate antroduodenal motility. Animal
s-20 clinically normal, mixed-breed dogs (mean +/- SD, 15.1 +/- 7.1 kg
).Procedure-in vitro sonographic observations of the gastroduodenal ju
nction were made after each had been mounted on an acrylic rack placed
in an organ bath. The in vivo studies were performed in anesthetized
dogs. Results-The wall of the pyloric antrum was 4 to 5 mm thick, that
of the pylorus was 3 to 4 mm thick, and that of the cranial part of t
he duodenum was 2 to 3 mm thick. The pyloric canal had a length of 16
to 17 mm and overall in vivo diameter of 22 mm, and the muscular part
of its wall was 2 to 3 mm thick. In vivo sonographic images were best
made with the dog in dorsal recumbency, tilted 30 degrees to the right
-the feasibility study clearly demonstrated the form and function of a
ntroduodenal motility including gastric and duodenal peristalsis, open
ing and closing of the pyloric canal, and duodenogastric reflux of flu
id and gas. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-The use of a routine im
aging protocol, accompanied by mensuration of the gastroduodenal junct
ion, will permit an opinion to be given as to whether the structure an
d function of the region are normal or whether pathologic change exist
s.