Transcutaneous ultrasonography of the coelomic viscera of the ostrich (Struthio camelus)

Ultrasonographic examinations were performed on clinically healthy growing and adult nonbreeding female ostriches. Multiple acoustic windows and the n ormal ultrasonographic appearance of the coelomic viscera were described. G ood images of the heart and its major vessels, proventriculus, ventriculus, intestines, liver, and kidneys could be obtained. Additionally, an anechoi c structure, believed to function as an urinary bladder, could be imaged in the cloacal region. The pancreas, spleen, thyroid glands, ovary, and adren als could not be seen in this study. General limitations were the size of t he ostriches, massive leg and dorsal muscles, large sternum, the extensive air sac system, compact convoluted intestines, and varying amounts of gastr ointestinal gas. Ostriches do not posses a gall bladder, and thus it could not be used as a landmark or acoustic window. The extensive air sac system and feathers did not limit the use of ultrasonography as much as anticipate d. Imaging of air sacs should, however, be considered to detect pathology s uch as air sacculitis, which may result in consolidation.