Editorial Type:
Diagnostic Imaging

Ultrasonographic anatomy of the coelomic organs of boid snakes (Boa constrictor imperator, Python regius, Python molurus molurus, and Python curtus)

Tommaso Banzato Radiology Unit, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Padua, Agripolis - 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy.

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Elisa Russo Department of Public Health, Comparative Pathology and Veterinary Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Padua, Agripolis - 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy.

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Luca Finotti Radiology Unit, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Padua, Agripolis - 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy.

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Maria C. Milan Radiology Unit, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Padua, Agripolis - 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy.

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Matteo Gianesella Radiology Unit, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Padua, Agripolis - 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy.

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Alessandro Zotti Radiology Unit, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Padua, Agripolis - 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy.

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.73.5.634
Volume/Issue:
Volume 73: Issue 5
Online Publication Date:
01 May 2012
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Abstract

Objective—To determine the ultrasonographic features of the coelomic organs of healthy snakes belonging to the Boidae and Pythonidae families.

Animals—16 ball pythons (Python regius; 7 males, 8 females, and 1 sexually immature), 10 Indian rock pythons (Python molurus molurus; 5 males, 4 females, and 1 sexually immature), 12 Python curtus (5 males and 7 females), and 8 boa constrictors (Boa constrictor imperator; 4 males and 4 females).

Procedures—All snakes underwent complete ultrasonographic evaluation of the coelomic cavity; chemical restraint was not necessary. A dorsolateral approach to probe placement was chosen to increase image quality and to avoid injury to the snakes and operators. Qualitative and quantitative observations were recorded.

Results—The liver, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, small and large intestines, kidneys, cloaca, and scent glands were identified in all snakes. The hemipenes were identified in 10 of the 21 (48%) male snakes. The spleen was identified in 5 of the 46 (11%) snakes, and ureters were identified in 6 (13%). In 2 sexually immature snakes, the gonads were not visible. One (2%) snake was gravid, and 7 (15%) had small amounts of free fluid in the coelomic cavity. A significant positive correlation was identified between several measurements (diameter and thickness of scent glands, gastric and pyloric walls, and colonic wall) and body length (snout to vent) and body weight.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The study findings can be used as an atlas of the ultrasonographic anatomy of the coelomic cavity in healthy boid snakes. Ultrasonography was reasonably fast to perform and was well tolerated in conscious snakes.

Abstract

Objective—To determine the ultrasonographic features of the coelomic organs of healthy snakes belonging to the Boidae and Pythonidae families.

Animals—16 ball pythons (Python regius; 7 males, 8 females, and 1 sexually immature), 10 Indian rock pythons (Python molurus molurus; 5 males, 4 females, and 1 sexually immature), 12 Python curtus (5 males and 7 females), and 8 boa constrictors (Boa constrictor imperator; 4 males and 4 females).

Procedures—All snakes underwent complete ultrasonographic evaluation of the coelomic cavity; chemical restraint was not necessary. A dorsolateral approach to probe placement was chosen to increase image quality and to avoid injury to the snakes and operators. Qualitative and quantitative observations were recorded.

Results—The liver, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, small and large intestines, kidneys, cloaca, and scent glands were identified in all snakes. The hemipenes were identified in 10 of the 21 (48%) male snakes. The spleen was identified in 5 of the 46 (11%) snakes, and ureters were identified in 6 (13%). In 2 sexually immature snakes, the gonads were not visible. One (2%) snake was gravid, and 7 (15%) had small amounts of free fluid in the coelomic cavity. A significant positive correlation was identified between several measurements (diameter and thickness of scent glands, gastric and pyloric walls, and colonic wall) and body length (snout to vent) and body weight.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The study findings can be used as an atlas of the ultrasonographic anatomy of the coelomic cavity in healthy boid snakes. Ultrasonography was reasonably fast to perform and was well tolerated in conscious snakes.

Contributor Notes

Drs. Banzato's, Finotti's, Gianesella's, and Zotti's current address is Radiology Unit, Department of Animal Medicine, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università, 16 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy.

The authors thank Mauro Ghidotti, Andrea Martin, Emanuele Zanetti, and Dr. Giuseppe Palmisano for technical assistance.

Address correspondence to Dr. Zotti (alessandro.zotti@unipd.it).
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Publication Date:
01 May 2012
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