Ultrasonographic findings associated with normal pregnancy and fetal well-being in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

ABSTRACT: Reproductive success is vital in sustaining free-ranging and managed bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) populations. Ultrasonography is an invaluable, non-invasive tool in assessing the fetomaternal unit in humans and animals, including dolphins and horses. The purpose of this prospective longitudinal cohort study was to develop a protocol for fetomaternal ultrasonographic monitoring in dolphins and to report normal measurements and descriptive findings correlated with a positive outcome. From 2010 to 2017, serial ultrasonographic evaluations of 12 healthy dolphins were performed over the course of 16 pregnancies. A total of 203 ultrasound examinations were included in the study. Several metrics were accurate in predicting fetal age. Fetal biparietal diameter (BPD), thoracic width in

SUBMITTER: Ivancic M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7155047 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature