The Use of Transrectal Ultrasonography in Camel Reproduction Usingan Easi-Scan Curve Portable Ultrasound Machine

摘要

Since the introduction of ultrasonography to veterinary medicine in the early 1980's for examining the reproductive status of mares it has gained wide acceptance as the method of choice for examining the genital tract of many species, including camels. It can be used to monitor follicular dynamics in the ovaries and for early detection of pregnancy as well as detection and diagnosis of genital tract disease. Ultrasonography of the genital tract can be carried out per rectum, per vaginam, or via the abdominal wall. In practice, examination per rectum is most widely used in camels, with vaginal ultrasonography used only for aspiration of follicles for ovum pick-up. To examine the camel using ultrasonography per rectum the camel has to be restrained either in stocks or in the sitting position. The rectum is then evacuated of faeces before the transducer is introduced and rotated in the rectum over the ovaries and uterus. Retraction of the uterus is not necessary in camels and the probe is always maintained within the hand of the operator with the crystals facing ventral-ly. Thorough examination requires the transducer to be in close contact with the rectal mucosa so that the image is very clear; to acquire this the probe has to be well lubricated before insertion into the rectum. Follicular development, early pregnancies and genital tract abnormalities can then be easily visualized.