Ultrasonography of the spleen, kidneys and bladder in healthy Mangalarga Marchador horses across different life stages.

BACKGROUND

This study is the first breed-specific ultrasonographic reference values for spleen, kidneys, and bladder in Mangalarga Marchador horses from different life stages.

AIMS/

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to establish a normal reference range of measurements of the spleen, kidneys and bladder, as well as to describe the anatomy and sonographic characteristics of these organs in Mangalarga Marchador horses.

METHODS

Abdominal ultrasound examinations were performed in 88 Mangalarga Marchador horses of both sexes, aged 1, 7 and 15 days, monthly from their 1st to the 11th month of age ando n their 1st, 3rd and 5th year.

RESULTS

Spleen width, renal length and width, cortex and medulla thickness and pelvis length and bladder wall thickness were measured. The data indicated different sizes in the assessed organs, particularly during the initial months of life. Until the age of 4 months, the bladder could be visualized in the inguinal region on both sides at the height of the coxofemoral joint.

CONCLUSION

This study provided location and measurements of spleen, kidneys and bladder of healthy Mangalarga Marchador horses.