[UltrasonIc diagnosis of inflammation of the umbilical cord structures, persistent urachus and umbilical hernia in calves].

The umbilical stalk, vein, arteries, urachal region, liver and urinary bladder in 35 calves with the clinical suspect of umbilical disease were examined ultrasonographically with a 3.5 and 5 MHz convex scanner and a 7.5, 10 and 13 MHz linear scanner (Esaote AU5, Esaote, Florenz). Extra- and intraabdominal umbilical structures could be evaluated well by ultrasonography. An exact description of the extent of the disease and of the involvement of other structures, as the liver or the urinary bladder, was made possible by ultrasonography. Complications during surgery could be reduced and in the case of a poor prognosis the calves were euthanatized to prevent costs for the owner.