Philippine E-Journals

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN THE LIVER, GALLBLADDER AND KIDNEYS OF CAPTIVE RETICULATED PYTHONS (Python reticulatus, SCHNEIDER, 1801) (REPTILIA: PYTHONIDAE) WITH PNEUMONIA

Cherry Ann A. Samaniego | Emilia A. Lastica | Jezie A. Acorda | Arville Mar Gregorio A. Pajas

 

Abstract:

Ultrasonography was performed using a 6.5 MHz linear array scanner in order to determine the ultrasonographic features of the liver, gallbladder and kidneys of 12 captive reticulated pythons with pneumonia in comparison with macroscopic findings. The organs were examined using an ultrasound machine equipped with a 6.5 MHz scanner and echo mean values were calculated. The liver appeared elongated with a hypoechoic parenchyma and a large anechoic central hepatic vein with a hyperechoic wall. The gallbladder was observed as a large elliptical structure with a hypoechoic wall and an anechoic lumen. The kidneys appeared as hypoechoic granulated, elongated structures with the right kidney located more cranially than the left. No differences were observed between ultrasonographic and gross measurements of the different organs. Histogram analysis showed that there was a distinct increase in the Emean values of all structures, except the kidneys which showed decrease in Emean values. The results suggest that pneumonia causes changes in the echogenicity of the liver, gallbladder and kidneys in reticulated pythons.