Abdominal ultrasound features and reference values in healthy guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

Background This study aimed to determine the ultrasonographic features and reference values of the abdominal anatomy in guinea pigs. Methods A complete abdominal ultrasonographic examination was performed in 20 adults and 20 young guinea pigs. The thickness of the wall of the gallbladder, stomach, d...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Veterinary record 2024-01, Vol.194 (2), p.no-no
Main Authors: Gómez Martin, Noemi, Domínguez Miño, Elisabet, García de Carellán, Alejandra, Vilalta Solé, Laura
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abdomen
Abdomen - anatomy & histology
Abdomen - diagnostic imaging
Age groups
Animals
Female
Gallbladder
Guinea Pigs
Liver
Pancreas
Reference Values
small mammals
Spleen
Spleen - anatomy & histology
Spleen - diagnostic imaging
Ultrasonography - veterinary
ultrasound
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Summary:Background This study aimed to determine the ultrasonographic features and reference values of the abdominal anatomy in guinea pigs. Methods A complete abdominal ultrasonographic examination was performed in 20 adults and 20 young guinea pigs. The thickness of the wall of the gallbladder, stomach, duodenum, caecum, colon and urinary bladder (UB) was measured. Also, the adrenal glands (AGs) (width of the cranial and caudal poles, length), kidneys (length, width, height), ovaries (length, width), testes (length, width), uterus (width) and seminal glands (width) and the thickness of the spleen and pancreas were measured. All the measurements were compared between age groups and sexes. Results The liver, gallbladder, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, UB, AGs and great vessels were clearly visualised in all the guinea pigs. No significant statistical differences were found between the sexes, but there were statistically significant differences in the size of the kidneys, AGs, pancreas, spleen and reproductive organs between age groups. No significant differences in the wall thickness of the digestive system, gallbladder and UB were observed between groups. Limitations The main limitation of this study is the lack of gross anatomical or histological correlation. Conclusions The results of this study support the use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in guinea pigs and provide reference values for the abdominal organs of this species.
ISSN:0042-4900
2042-7670
DOI:10.1002/vetr.3668