Ultrasonographic findings associated with normal pregnancy and fetal well-being in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).
Vet Radiol Ultrasound
; 61(2): 215-226, 2020 Mar.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31899939
ABSTRACT
Reproductive success is vital in sustaining free-ranging and managed bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) populations. Ultrasonography is an invaluable, non-invasive tool in assessing the fetomaternal unit in humans and animals, including dolphins and horses. The purpose of this prospective longitudinal cohort study was to develop a protocol for fetomaternal ultrasonographic monitoring in dolphins and to report normal measurements and descriptive findings correlated with a positive outcome. From 2010 to 2017, serial ultrasonographic evaluations of 12 healthy dolphins were performed over the course of 16 pregnancies. A total of 203 ultrasound examinations were included in the study. Several metrics were accurate in predicting fetal age. Fetal biparietal diameter (BPD), thoracic width in dorsal and transverse planes, thoracic height in a sagittal plane, aortic diameter, and blubber thickness all demonstrated high correlation with gestational age (r > 0.94, P < .00001). Regional uteroplacental thickness significantly increased with each trimester (range 0.22-0.40 cm; P < .00011 cranial uterus, P < .00057 mid, and P < .000011 caudal). Lungliver mean pixel intensity was 2.57 ± 0.46 (95% confidence interval 2.47-2.67). Ultrasonographic characteristics of normal pregnancy in dolphins are described and an equation for prediction of parturition date in Tursiops is reported days to parturition = 348.16 - (26.03 × BPD(cm)) (R2 = 0.99). Future applications of these normal data will help identify in utero abnormalities indicative of fetal morbidity, and improve understanding of reproductive failure in wild and managed populations.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Preñez
/
Ultrasonografía Prenatal
/
Delfín Mular
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Etiology_studies
/
Incidence_studies
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Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Animals
/
Pregnancy
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Vet Radiol Ultrasound
Asunto de la revista:
DIAGNOSTICO POR IMAGEM
/
MEDICINA VETERINARIA
/
RADIOLOGIA
Año:
2020
Tipo del documento:
Article