Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Liver in Leopard Geckos

Objetives of the Study

The aim of theis study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of hepatic ultrasound in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

Material and Methods

The liver of sixteen leopard geckos was evaluated ultasonographically. 12 animals had a history of anorexia and weight loss associated with cryptosporidiosis (Group 1) and 4 had no known health concerns (Group 2). A full physical examination was performed on each gecko including assigning a body condition score from 1-5 and any abnormalities were noted. All animals were weighed (BW), the length from the snout to the vent measured (L), and the weight/length ratio (BW/L) calculated in order to provide a more objective scoring system. Ultrasonographic examination of the coelomic cavity of each gecko was peformed using a multi-frequency linear transducer set at 14 MHz. The ultrasound probe was fanned sagitally and transversally to systemically scan the entire coelomic cavity. Images of the liver were acquired and stored. Measurements of the liver were taken as the maximum midline depth in transverse (TS) and sagittal (SG) orientation respectively and TS/SG ratio, TS/BW ratio and SG/BW ratio were calculated. Group 1 geckos were then humanely euthanased and each liver was then collected post-mortem and placed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histological evaluation. [...]