Ultrasound Study of Reptiles

What is it?

Ultrasound is a safe, non- invasive way of looking at the internal organs. It does not harm the animal, or developing eggs or embryos. The animal does not need an anaesthetic whilst being scanned. Ultrasound waves are sent out from a handheld probe, they ‘bounce off’ some organs and pass through others. The waves ‘bounced back’ to the probe are interpreted by computer to produce a moving image of the internal organs.

Why?

Ultrasound scanning can be used to image the heart and its valves, the contractility of the heart muscle and the speed of the blood flow. It is useful in detecting heart disease e.g. infection (endocarditis) which is common in reptiles. Ultrasound scanning is also useful in sexing animals, by imaging testis or ovaries. It can also be used to following the ovarian cycle, timing when ovulation takes place and so when the best time to introduce a mate.

There are many other useful applications.

Many things are still unknown in reptiles, compared to mammals. E.g. the best way to scan the heart in snakes, lizards, tortoises and terrapins, the ‘healthy’ appearance of these species when scanning the heart and ovaries and testis has not been published for the vast majority of common species.

Who?

The Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies is conducting a project to discover the ‘normals’ as well as ‘abnormal’ findings on reptile scans. We offer a free scan (including copies of the pictures obtained) to any reptile presented. If abnormalities are found they will be reported to you and your vet.

When?

The success of this project depends upon the willingness of reptile owners to allow their animals to be scanned. The animals can be dropped off at the clinic in the morning and collected in the evenings leaving you free to enjoy the sights of Edinburgh for the day! If you already see another vet, we will contact them with the results.