Radiography and ultrasonography in the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal enlargements in five guinea pigs

Five guinea pigs with palpable abdominal masses were examined by radiograph y and ultrasonography, and laparotomy was performed. Splenic haematoma, spl enic and uterine haemangioma, uterine fibroma and ovarian teratoma were fou nd on histological examination after excision of the relevant organs. Both of the imaging methods allowed localisation of the affected organs, but the inner structure of the masses could only be imaged by ultrasonography. Ult rasonography served as an aid in decision-making with respect to the laparo tomy. Surgery was successful in four out of the five cases. Both imaging me thods were found to be useful in diagnosis and in determining the choice of treatment in cases of abdominal masses in guinea pigs.