RATTUS (Rat Thoracic Ultrasound): diagnosis of pneumothorax in pet rats.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Rat thoracic ultrasound (RATTUS) is a non-invasive, easy-to-perform method for the evaluation of the pleural space and lungs in pet rats. The aim of the article is to present species-specific differences in the sonographic diagnosis of pneumothorax (PTX) in pet rats.

Methods

In total, 158 client-owned pet rats were examined during the period from July 2023 to January 2024. PTX was diagnosed in 20 of the examined rats (13.25%, the age of the animals ranged from 2 months to 32 months (19.08 ± 6.93 months; mean ± SD) and their body weight ranged from 97 g to 885 g (461.27 ± 138.97 g; mean ± SD). Radiographic confirmation of PTX was performed in all these 20 rats, in the control group radiography was used to confirm that PTX was not present.

Results

The lung

SUBMITTER: Piskovska A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11428198 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature