Comparison of transcoelomic, contrast transcoelomic, and transesophageal echocardiography in anesthetized red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis)

Abstract

Echocardiographic measurements in hawks were not reliable, except when the left ventricle was measured by the same observer. Furthermore, cardiac morphometric measurements may not be clinically important. When measurements are required, one needs to consider that follow-up measurements should be performed by the same echocardiographer and should show at least a 20% difference from initial measurements to be confident that any difference is genuine.

Evaluation of diagnostic criteria in grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) with suspected atherosclerosis

“…In the echocardiographic (including the spectral Doppler) examination, non of the parrots in this group showed any abnormalities. A maximal systolic aortic outflow between 0.79 m/s and 0.99 m/s could be measured, in congruence with published reference intervals 21 .…”

“…In the echocardiographic (including the spectral Doppler) examination, non of the parrots in this group showed any abnormalities. A maximal systolic aortic outflow between 0.79 m/s and 0.99 m/s could be measured, in congruence with published reference intervals [21]. Furthermore, 3 grey parrots had slightly elevated cholesterol levels in blood chemistry, whereas the triglyceride values for all birds in this group were within reference values.…”

“…It enables the investigator to visualize and measure the diameter of the aortic root and take measurements of the aortic outflow. Reference intervals are available for the evaluation of the heart itself in 2 D-mode 18 19 20 as well as for aortic measurements in different species 13 18 21 .…”

“…In that regard, Carrani et al [21] examined 6 healthy grey parrots (age and sex unknown) and stated values of 0.89 m/s ± 0.13 m/s as physiological reference values for aortic outflow.…”

Cardiovascular Diseases

“…While only the ventromedial transcoelomic sonographic approach can be performed in most raptors and parrots, an additional transcoelomic approach, the parasternal approach, can be used in galliformes either caudally to the ribs, because the ribs have limited caudal extension, or between the sternal ribs through the large window of the sternum present in poultry, but the optimal approach is not always consistent and depends on individuals, age, and breeds [20][21][22]. Nevertheless, the evaluation of the relative sizes of the cardiac chamber and their functional assessment is probably more clinically useful than taking echocardiographic morphometric measurements, which appear to show low reliability in birds [27]. The most commonly used approach in chickens and turkeys is the parasternal approach.…”