Diss komplett 13 2KF BIB MEY DRU - Tiho Bibliothek elib ...

7. Summary:
Stefanie Wachsmann:
Ultrasound-investigation of the Bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) including clinical,
radiographic and laboratory aspects
The aim of the study was to contribute to the upgrading of diagnostics in the Bearded dragon
(Pogona vitticeps). For this purpose 42 animals were examined by means of ultrasound and
radiography. In addition, 22 blood values were collected and 24 fecal samples examined for
parasites.
The animals for this study were provided by private owners and also by a zoological garden.
All patients appeared to be healthy in the clinical investigation and had a minimal bodyweight
of 100 g. Altogether, 19 male and 23 female Bearded dragons were used for these
investigations, regardless of age or reproduction state.
The ultrasound examination was performed with a 14-mHz linear array transducer. Animals
were held in an upright position, without additional restraint of a second person, and were
always examined following a strict pattern.
The following organs were regularly observed and described: heart, liver, including
gallbladder and V. cava, fat bodies, gastrointestinal tract, reproductional tract (ovaries or
testes) and kidneys. It was possible to locate their positions and characterize their
ultrasonographic appearance in nearly all cases, except for the heart, which is covered by the
sternum. This bony barrier turned out to be a massive obstacle to the ultrasound examination
in this area and prevents a detailed picture of the heart. All other organs were not detectable.
Measurements could be made from the following structures:
• Longitudinal and transverse diameter of the gallbladder:
Longitudinal: 1.05 cm (range: 0.43 – 2.04 cm);
Transverse: 0.56 cm (range: 0.23 – 1.4 cm)
• Wall-diameter of the small intestine: 0.12 cm (range: 0.08 – 0.25 cm)
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