Elastographic and ultrasound findings of the dog`s kidneys exposed to cigarette smoke

This study evaluated the effects of exposure to tobacco smoke on the kidneys of household dogs using B-mode ultrasonography and Shear-wave Elastography (SWE). Fifteen adult dogs were analyzed and divided into two groups: one exposed to passive smoking for at least two years (n=7) and another non-exposed group (n=8), both without a history of kidney disease. The animals underwent clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, followed by B-mode ultrasonography and renal elastography. Blood test were normal for all individuals. Ultrasonography demonstrated a significant increase in renal echogenicity (p=0.0070, for both right and left kidneys) and irregular contours (p=0.0256 for the right kidney, and p=0.0070 for the left kidney) in the exposed group. The variables echotexture, corticomedullary ratio, and presence of alterations did not vary between the groups (p>0.05). Tissues were harder in exposed dogs (p=0.0492). These findings indicate that exposure to passive smoking may compromise canine kidney health, with early alterations detectable through ultrasonography and elastography. This study highlights the importance of raising awareness about the risks of smoking in domestic environments and underscores the need for further research to deepen the understanding of passive smoking's impact on the renal morphology of domestic dogs.