Bertocchi Mara, Bigliardi Enrico, Pelizzone Igor, Vetere Alessandro, Manfredi Sabrina, Cattarossi Diego, Rizzi Matteo, Di Ianni Francesco
Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy.
Ambulatorio Veterinario Belvedere, Via Pietro Bembo 12, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Animals (Basel). 2021 Oct 27;11(11):3069. doi: 10.3390/ani11113069.
The is one of the most common reptiles bred in captivity. To achieve a successful breeding season, thorough knowledge of the females' reproductive activity is necessary. In this regard, information on the is still rather scarce. The aim of the present study was to monitor the ovarian activity and the embryonic development of boas by ultrasound. We performed brief scans on thirty non-anaesthetized snakes using a portable ultrasound system and a 7.5-10 MHz linear array transducer (Esaote MyLab™ Classic). Ultrasound features, dimensions, and echogenicity of the preovulatory and postovulatory follicles were determined. As gestation progresses, the postovulatory follicle size increases, and the embryonic silhouette becomes increasingly recognizable. During the second month after ovulation, by using color Doppler, early embryos' heart activity could be evaluated. It is possible to highlight vascular connections between the mother and the membrane covering the embryonic structures. Ultrasound also allows one to identify follicular regression or slugs (nonfertilized eggs) early. The present study suggests that ultrasound could be an excellent noninvasive technique to evaluate the reproductive activity of , allowing us to precisely identify the correct time for mating, monitor embryo development and viability, and allow the early diagnosis of follicular regression.
该物种是人工饲养中最常见的爬行动物之一。为了实现成功的繁殖季,深入了解雌性的生殖活动是必要的。在这方面,关于该物种的信息仍然相当匮乏。本研究的目的是通过超声监测蟒的卵巢活动和胚胎发育。我们使用便携式超声系统和7.5 - 10 MHz线性阵列换能器(百胜MyLab™ Classic)对30条未麻醉的蛇进行了简短扫描。确定了排卵前和排卵后卵泡的超声特征、尺寸和回声性。随着妊娠进展,排卵后卵泡大小增加,胚胎轮廓越来越清晰可辨。在排卵后的第二个月,通过使用彩色多普勒,可以评估早期胚胎的心脏活动。可以突出显示母体与覆盖胚胎结构的膜之间的血管连接。超声还能让人早期识别卵泡退化或未受精卵。本研究表明,超声可能是评估该物种生殖活动的一种出色的非侵入性技术,使我们能够精确确定交配的正确时间,监测胚胎发育和活力,并实现卵泡退化的早期诊断。