Two-Dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic findings in healthy non-sedated red-eared slider terrapins (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Abstract

Echocardiographic evaluation was performed in six healthy young adult non-sedated terrapins (Trachemys scripta elegans). The best imaging quality was obtained through the right cervical window. Base-apex inflow and outflow views were recorded, ventricular size, ventricular wall thickness and ventricular outflow tract were measured, and fractional shortening was calculated. Pulsed-wave Doppler interrogation enabled the diastolic biphasic atrio-ventricular flow and the systolic ventricular outflow patterns to be recorded. The following Doppler-derived functional parameters were calculated: early diastolic (E) and late diastolic (A) wave peak velocities, E/A ratio, ventricular outflow systolic peak and mean velocities and gradients, Velocity-Time Integral, acceleration and deceleration times, and Ejection Time. For each parameter the mean, standard deviation and 95% confidence interval were calculated. Echocardiography resulted as a useful and easy-to-perform diagnostic tool in this poorly known species that presents difficulties during evaluation.

Ultrasound characterization of the coelomic cavity organs of the red-footed tortoise ( Chelonoidis carbonaria )

“…The cardiac ventricle showed a thick, trabecular wall, as observed in California desert tortoises (Xerobates agassizi), in sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) (PENNINCK, 1991;VALENTE et al, 2007;POSER et al, 2011). The location of the ventricle between the hepatic lobes and the thin-walled atrium was also seen in other studies (PENNINCK et al, 1991;VALENTE et al, 2008).…”

“…However, the luminal contents made impossible better images to be obtained, especially in the stomach and large intestine, due to the production of artifacts in the sluggish digestive tract in this species (PIZZUTTO et al, 2001). We suggest a longer period of fasting, such as 24 hours, for good visibility of the stomach.…”

“…However, in this study, two atria, with projections on the inner surface, were observed. In some studies, atrioventricular valves were also observed as mobile hyperechoic lines (PENNINCK et al, 1991;POSER et al, 2011). Nevertheless, another study reported the observation of only one atrioventricular valve, which appeared as a short, horizontal, echogenic line located in the center between the atrium and ventricle (VALENTE et al, 2007).…”

Structure and function of the hearts of lizards and snakes

“…To the best of our knowledge, pulmonary venous pressure has not been measured in reptiles and the low left atrial pressure of approximately 5 mmHg may not be sufficient to generate a regurgitating pressure gradient (Johansen, 1959 a ; Skovgaard et al , ). Atrial contraction contributes significantly to ventricular filling (see online Movie S1 ‘python’; Johansen, 1959 a ; Johansen & Burggren, , ), but diastolic ventricular suction may also be important in turtles (Katz, ; Kraner, ; Poser et al , ) and in pythons (see online Movie S1 ‘python’; Jensen et al , 2010 b ).…”

Ultrasonographic anatomy of reproductive female leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

“…Although the heart was not visualized in any of the leopard geckos in this study, a few published references describe the echocardiographic anatomy in lizards, chelonians, and snakes in the family Boidae . In bearded dragons and green iguanas, the heart was visualized in the cranial and ventral aspects of the coelom, cranially to the liver, and cardiac chamber measurements have been reported in these species.…”