Radiographic and sonographic features, and histogram parameters of the liver and spleen in healthy Toco toucans (Ramphastos toco, Müller 1976).

This study aimed to evaluate radiographic and sonographic features, and histogram parameters based on grayscale ultrasound of the liver and spleen in healthy toco toucans. Fifteen adult toco toucans (Ramphastos toco), seven females and eight males, weighing approximately 650 g, were enrolled in the study. On the right lateral radiographic view, the liver was visualized in the midventral region of the coelomic cavity; ultrasonographically, the liver was located in the middle portion of the coelomic cavity in close relationship to the heart, and thoracic and abdominal air sacs. Two hepatic lobes were identified; the right lobe was larger than the left one. The spleen was visualized in 10 toco toucans on radiographs and only in eight toucans on ultrasound exams. The gallbladder was identified only on ultrasound. On the right lateral radiographic view, the spleen was visualized dorsal to the proventriculus and ventral to the lungs/air sacs as an oval shape. Ultrasonographically, the spleen was observed caudal to the liver, cranial to the proventriculus and craniodorsal to the ventriculus. There was no significant difference in spleen length for either radiographic or ultrasound measurements. The brightness intensity (BI) for mean gray level (G) and standard deviation of gray levels (SG ) in the liver were 101.315 (± 16.170) and 12.453 (± 2.616), respectively. Mean G and SG levels in the spleen were 63.940 (± 18.321) and 7.494 (± 3.595), respectively. In conclusion, the sonographic features and histogram parameters indicated that the liver is more echogenic and heterogeneous than the spleen, which must be considered for diagnosing alterations in these organs.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the liver and gallbladder and hepatic histogram of non-venomous snakes.

This study aimed to describe sonographic features of the liver, gallbladder and hepatic histogram from grey-scale ultrasound in three species of healthy non-venomous snakes. Twenty-eight adult snakes were enrolled in the study, including 10 common boas (Boa constrictor), eight black-tailed pythons (Python molurus) and 10 rainbow boas (Epicrates crassus). The snakes fasted for 30 days and were manually restrained while conscious. For B. constrictor and P. molurus the liver and gallbladder were best visualized in ventral recumbency, and E. crassus in dorsal recumbency. A single elongated hepatic lobe was identified in all snakes. The gallbladder was positioned caudal and separated from the liver, with an oval shape and homogeneous anechoic content in the lumen, and thin and regular walls. A region of interest by pixel number was chosen for the liver, fat bodies, left kidney, and splenopancreas. The mean grey level (G) of the organs had significant differences within each species. Standard deviation of grey levels (SG ) had significant differences within B. constrictor and E. crassus. P. molurus had no significant difference among organs. The comparison among snakes showed that E. crassus had G of liver and splenopancreas lower than B. constrictor and P. molurus. The SG of the liver in E. crassus was lowest compared to B. constrictor and P. molurus. P. molurus showed the highest values in mean of G and SG . In conclusion, despite the liver and gallbladder having similar sonographic features, the grey-level histogram showed that liver echotexture and echogenicity differ among species.

Testicular morphological and ultrasonographic characterization of male gray brocket deers (Mazama gouazoubira) in different reproductive status

Background: Gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) populations have been declining due to human intervention.Yet, only a few studies have assessed ultrasonographic testicular characteristics in cervids. Considering the relevance ofmonitoring testicular size, blood flow, and parenchyma, the present study aims to establish baseline information on scrotalcircumference, testicular volume, and spectral Doppler parameters, to describe differences among adult male gray brocketdeer in different reproductive status, and to correlate ultrasound parameters with testes size measurements.Materials, Methods & Results: Six adult male gray brocket deers were used in the study. Scrotal circumference and testicularvolume were measured. B mode ultrasound images of testes (longitudinal and cross-sectional views) and epididymes weresubjected to computer-assisted analysis, obtaining the numerical pixel values (NPV) and pixel standard deviation (PSD).Using spectral Doppler, supratesticular artery blood flow velocities (peak systolic velocity - PSV, end diastolic velocity -EDV, time-average maximum velocity - TAMAX, resistivity - RI and pulsatility indices - PI) were obtained. Semen wasanalyzed through total motility, vigor, and concentration tests. Three animals were normospermic (F+ group) and threewere oligo/azoospermic (F- group). Groups were compared using were compared using a one-way ANOVA or KruskalWallis followed by Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) test. Ultrasound parameters were correlated to testes size parametersusing Pearsons correlation for parametric variables and Spearmans correlation for non-parametric variables. F+ grouppresented significantly higher scrotal circumference (14.57 ± 1.19 cm), testicular volume (26.18 ± 4.94 cm3), and testescross-sectional NPV (69.88 ± 24.00) and PSD (10.78 ± 3.42) than group F- (NPV: 28.26 ± 13.75, PSD: 6.70 ± 1.84). Nosignificant differences were observed between the groups regarding...(AU)

Testicular morphological and ultrasonographic characterization of male gray brocket deers (Mazama gouazoubira) in different reproductive status

Background: Gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) populations have been declining due to human intervention.Yet, only a few studies have assessed ultrasonographic testicular characteristics in cervids. Considering the relevance ofmonitoring testicular size, blood flow, and parenchyma, the present study aims to establish baseline information on scrotalcircumference, testicular volume, and spectral Doppler parameters, to describe differences among adult male gray brocketdeer in different reproductive status, and to correlate ultrasound parameters with testes size measurements.Materials, Methods & Results: Six adult male gray brocket deers were used in the study. Scrotal circumference and testicularvolume were measured. B mode ultrasound images of testes (longitudinal and cross-sectional views) and epididymes weresubjected to computer-assisted analysis, obtaining the numerical pixel values (NPV) and pixel standard deviation (PSD).Using spectral Doppler, supratesticular artery blood flow velocities (peak systolic velocity - PSV, end diastolic velocity -EDV, time-average maximum velocity - TAMAX, resistivity - RI and pulsatility indices - PI) were obtained. Semen wasanalyzed through total motility, vigor, and concentration tests. Three animals were normospermic (F+ group) and threewere oligo/azoospermic (F- group). Groups were compared using were compared using a one-way ANOVA or KruskalWallis followed by Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) test. Ultrasound parameters were correlated to testes size parametersusing Pearson’s correlation for parametric variables and Spearman’s correlation for non-parametric variables. F+ grouppresented significantly higher scrotal circumference (14.57 ± 1.19 cm), testicular volume (26.18 ± 4.94 cm3), and testescross-sectional NPV (69.88 ± 24.00) and PSD (10.78 ± 3.42) than group F- (NPV: 28.26 ± 13.75, PSD: 6.70 ± 1.84). Nosignificant differences were observed between the groups regarding...

Ultrassonografia testicular em caprinos jovens da raça Alpina / Testicular ultrasonography in young Alpine goats

Objetivou-se com este trabalho observar as mudanças do parênquima testicular de acordo com o fotoperíodo e com a faixa etária dos animais por meio da ecotextura testicular e a viabilidade do uso do ultrassom na avaliação testicular. Foram utilizados 4 animais desde o 6° até o 13° mês de idade. Os exames ecográficos foram realizados a cada 15 dias para avaliar a ecotextura testicular. O parênquima testicular mostrou-se moderadamente ecogênico e homogêneo. Foi observado comportamento semelhante na ecotextura testicular durante o período de avaliação, sendo maior no 8º mês de idade, quando o volume testicular também foi maior; tais mudanças foram relacionadas com o fotoperíodo da região. A avaliação ultrassonográfica dos testículos mostrou-se um método eficiente, capaz de detectar as mudanças no parênquima testicular ao longo do tempo, e como ferramenta alternativa para diferenciação de condições normais e patológicas em caprinos...

The purpose of this study was to observe changes in the testicular parenchyma of male goats. Changes were observed in terms of goat age, evaluating the echotexture and ultrasound viability in the testicles. Four animals were used, ranging from six to 13 months of age. The echographic examinations were performed every 15 days to assess echotexture of the testicle. The testicular parenchyma appeared moderately echogenic and homogeneous. Similar results were observed in testicular echotexture during the evaluation period. The highest results appearing during the eighth month of age, when the testicular volume was also highest; such changes were related to the regional photoperiod. The ultrasound evaluation of the testicles was shown to be an effective method, ultimately capable of detecting changes in testicular parenchyma over time, being an alternative to differentiation normal and pathological conditions in goats...

Ultrassonografia testicular em caprinos jovens da raça Alpina / Testicular ultrasonography in young Alpine goats

Objetivou-se com este trabalho observar as mudanças do parênquima testicular de acordo com o fotoperíodo e com a faixa etária dos animais por meio da ecotextura testicular e a viabilidade do uso do ultrassom na avaliação testicular. Foram utilizados 4 animais desde o 6° até o 13° mês de idade. Os exames ecográficos foram realizados a cada 15 dias para avaliar a ecotextura testicular. O parênquima testicular mostrou-se moderadamente ecogênico e homogêneo. Foi observado comportamento semelhante na ecotextura testicular durante o período de avaliação, sendo maior no 8º mês de idade, quando o volume testicular também foi maior; tais mudanças foram relacionadas com o fotoperíodo da região. A avaliação ultrassonográfica dos testículos mostrou-se um método eficiente, capaz de detectar as mudanças no parênquima testicular ao longo do tempo, e como ferramenta alternativa para diferenciação de condições normais e patológicas em caprinos.(AU)

The purpose of this study was to observe changes in the testicular parenchyma of male goats. Changes were observed in terms of goat age, evaluating the echotexture and ultrasound viability in the testicles. Four animals were used, ranging from six to 13 months of age. The echographic examinations were performed every 15 days to assess echotexture of the testicle. The testicular parenchyma appeared moderately echogenic and homogeneous. Similar results were observed in testicular echotexture during the evaluation period. The highest results appearing during the eighth month of age, when the testicular volume was also highest; such changes were related to the regional photoperiod. The ultrasound evaluation of the testicles was shown to be an effective method, ultimately capable of detecting changes in testicular parenchyma over time, being an alternative to differentiation normal and pathological conditions in goats.(AU)