Doppler ultrasound evaluation of heptobiliary system in leopards (Panthera pardus)

Abstract

Ultrasonography has been considered as one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine. The study standardizes the Doppler ultrasonographic hepato biliary biometric features in six leopards (Panthera pardus). The hepato biliary ultrasonographic examination was performed under general anaesthesia while lateral recumbency using a 3.5 MHz convex array transducer. The hepatobiliary images obtained at area covered the periphery just behind the sternum and last ribs of thorax on left and right side of abdomen. Gall bladder was visualized at a moderate pressure below the level of sternum. The hepato biliary measurements were recorded and it can be concluded that Doppler ultrasonography as valuable technique for measuring hepato biliary biometric features and could be used as reference values for diagnosis of hepato biliary diseases and disorders in leopards.