Philippine E-Journals

Ultrasound Features of the Spleen, Liver and Kidney of Bulgarian Murrah Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis L.) at Different Stages of Lactation

Jesalyn L. Constante | Jezie A. Acorda

Discipline: Veterinary Medicine

 

Abstract:

Thirty-three (33) 4-8 years old lactating Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes with 2-4 parities, weighing 450-600 kg, were used to determine the ultrasound features of the spleen, liver and kidney at different stages of lactation: a) early (1-3 months, 12 animals), b) middle (4-6 months, 11 animals); and c) late (7-9 months, 10 animals). The spleen, liver and right kidney were examined using an ultrasound machine equipped with a 3.5 MHz convex-array scanner. Digital analysis of the ultrasonograms from the different organs was performed and histogram echo means were compared. Ultrasonographic features of the spleen and liver showed distinct hyperechoic capsule compared to the hypoechoic parenchyma. The echo mean values of the spleen and liver parenchyma were significantly lowest in late stage of lactation. The renal sinus, cortex and medulla can be distinguished from one another in all lactation phases. Echo mean values for gall bladder lumen were significantly lower in the late stage compared to the early stage of lactation. Thickness of the spleen, liver, kidney and gall bladder wall and gall bladder lumen diameter did not differ significantly among the different stages of lactation. The results of this study can be used to compare the ultrasound features and echogenicity of diseased spleen, liver and kidney in lactating water buffaloes at different stages of lactation.