Investigating the Echocardiography and Heart Anatomy of Immature Beluga (Huso huso)

• Main Authors: Omid Zehtabvar, Ali Reza Vajhi, Zahra Tootian, Majid Masoudifard, Somayeh Davudypoor
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Iranian Veterinary Surgery Association (IVSA) 2019
• Subjects: immature Beluga (Huso huso); Heart; Anatomy; echocardiography; Veterinary medicine; SF600-1100; Beluga; Beluga*
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.22034/ivsa.2019.149748.1160; https://doaj.org/article/da549126c7f34aef9bb0d8dd4e19a617

Objective: The purpose of present study was to obtain a complete understanding about anatomical features and echocardiography of Beluga (Huso huso) species in order to provide standard approaches for performing echocardiography on this sturgeon species. Design - Experimental study Animals -10 immature (2.5 years old) Beluga (Huso huso) Procedures- To perform echocardiography, Sonosite-MicroMaxx ultrasonography Machin and Linear Probe with a frequency of 6-12 MHz of ventral approach between two pectoral fins were used. Results-Four main parts of the heart were identified in investigations and the way of locating and connections of these parts were examined. Sinus venosus had a thin wall and leaned toward left. The atrium wall was characterized by connective tissue and muscle. There was a valve structure between Sinus venosus and atrium. The ventricle had a thick muscular wall with a two-layer appearance. Conus arteriosus leaned toward right. This part had three rows of valves including one distal row and two proximal rows with a certain distance between the distal row and the two proximal rows. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- Since there has not yet been a complete study on the heart of Beluga species in the terms of ultrasonography and anatomy, the present study can be utilized as a basis for investigating other sturgeon species. In the present study, a standard approach has been provided to perform echocardiography on Beluga species.