Artículos de revistas
Presumed normal ultrasonographic findings of the testis and epididymis of Botos (Inia Geoffrensis)
Fecha
2012-12Registro en:
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, Yulee, v. 43, n. 4, pp. 787-792, Dec, 2012
1042-7260
10.1638/2011-0120R2.1
Autor
Alves, Flávio Ribeiro
Silva, Vera Maria Ferreira da
Martin, Anthony Richard
Ambrosio, Carlos Eduardo
Giglio, Robson Fortes
Miglino, Maria Angélica
Institución
Resumen
Fifteen live adult male botos, or Amazon river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis), were examined using ultrasonography during the yearly capture expedition, between October and November 2005, at the Mamiraua Sustainable Development Reserve, within the Brazilian Amazon (3 degrees S, 65 degrees W). All examinations were performed with a Sonosite 180 plus ultrasound unit in conjunction with a 2- to 5-MHz multifrequency transducer convex array 180 Plus/Elite-C60. Age and maturity estimates were determined considering the body length, weight, and external characteristics. In all examinations, the testes were discerned by the presence of a hyperechoic central line, called the mediastinum testis, a landmark for their identification during ultrasonography. No significant differences in echogenicity were detected on the ultrasonographic appearance of the testes among the studied animals. On adult male botos, apparent parenchymal nodulation of the testis was observed on scanning in most of the animals and probably constituted evidence of reproductive maturity. Using the color Doppler technique, blood flow was detected along the mediastinum testis that progressively decreased toward the periphery of this organ. Little blood flow could be identified by color Doppler. Power Doppler allowed better accuracy to identify testicular vessels, their topography, and their differentiation from adjacent structures. Ultrasonographic examination provides useful data for morphologic characterization of the boto's testes. Examination using Doppler techniques was considered a valuable tool to evidence blood flow through the testicular parenchyma.