Ultrasonographic evaluation of the renal dimensions in captive tigers.
Ultrasonographic measurements of kidney size are useful in the practical diagnosis of kidney diseases in animals. In tigers, there is a lack of information regarding the ultrasonography methods used to measure the kidney size of the tiger. Thirty-three healthy captive tigers (Panthera tigris) were placed in lateral recumbency for ultrasonography. The measurements obtained from the ultrasonography were computed, and the results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between genders in terms of body weight and renal length. The length of the right kidney was significantly different from that of the left kidney (10.23 ± 0.76 cm in males versus 9.94 ± 0.80 cm in females; P<0.05). Interestingly, this study demonstrated that kidney length was statistically significantly associated with the body weight, and it also had a positive linear relationship with the body weight. Therefore, ultrasonographic renal dimensions could prove to be beneficial and modality for use in the evaluation of kidneys in unconscious tigers. However, kidney size evaluation must be performed using not only ultrasound but other clinical forms of technology and parameters.
Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, The Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, 999 Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
Somkiat
S
Huaijantug
Komsan
K
Manatpreprem
Sukhumarn
S
Manatpreprem
Paranee
P
Yatmark
D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D007668:Kidney / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D046010:Tigers / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014463:Ultrasonography