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Background: One of the special anatomical structures in sturgeons is the pericardioperitoneal canal (PPC), which has not been studied much. Considering that the presence and absence of this channel and its morphometry have not been investigated in this type of fish, this study was conducted. Objective: The purpose of present study was to obtain a complete understanding about anatomical features and ultrasonography of PPC in the heart of immature beluga species in order to provide standard approaches for performing sonography and echocardiography on this sturgeon species. Methods: Ten immature belugas (Huso huso) were used to perform ultrasonography with Sonosite MicroMaxx ultrasonography machine of ventral approach between two pectoral fins. After performing the steps of ultrasonographic study, gross anatomical studies were also performed, and the morphometric measurement of the canal was also performed. Results: A small PPC was observed, which communicated between the pericardial cavity, and the peritoneal (coelomic) cavity. The cranial part of this channel, which was located immediately after the transverse septum, was on the midline of the body and was seen in midsagittal ultrasonograms. On average, the length of this canal was 3.23 ± 0.05 cm, and its diameter (cranial part) was 0.24 ± 0.04 cm. Conclusions: In the present study on immature beluga, it was observed that the canal is located behind the sinus venosus and is caudoventral to it, though behind the transverse septum. It has been mentioned that this PPC establishes a connection between the pericardial cavity and the peritoneal cavity, so this connection is between the peritoneal cavity and the space between the two layers of the pericardium and has no connection with the pericardial sac (the space where the heart is located). In this study, the anatomical structure and morphometry of the PPC in immature beluga were investigated, and some approaches were presented to observe the canal in ultrasonography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since there is no complete study of topographic features of thorax structures in guinea pigs, this study strives to define the exact topographic features of thorax structures. Objectives: The aim of this study is to provide comprehensive topographic information about the location of the trachea, bronchi, lungs and heart inside the thoracic cavity in guinea pig, as well as to study the features of these structures, their proximity to other organs and comparative anatomical studies with CT scan images in living samples. Methods: Ten adult male and healthy guinea pigs were selected. CT scan transverse images were taken. The morphometric parameters of the lungs, bronchi, trachea, heart, thoracic cavity and abdominal cavity were measured. Results: In these studies, the position of organs such as the trachea, lungs and heart were monitored, and specified descriptions of CT scan images and anatomical observations were obtained. We realised that the heart in this animal was not inclined to the left, and due to the equal size of the lungs, the heart was almost on the midline. According to the measurements, 20.05% of the ventral cavity volume was thoracic cavity and 79.95% was abdominal cavity. Conclusions: According to studies on guinea pigs, the right and left have the volume, and the heart is located between them on the midline without a tendency to the left. It seems that one of the reasons for the reluctance of the heart to the left and its placement on the midline in the guinea pig is that the volume of the two lungs is equal. In the case of guinea pigs, both numerical parameters are smaller than rabbits', but close to it. One of the most important factors in this study is that none of the animals were euthanised, and all of samples were alive after our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, due to widespread usage of anti-pain drugs, more attention is being paid to tramadol, although it has only been recognized rather recently in veterinary medicine. Therefore, evaluation of its effects on various organs is a principal issue. OBJECTIVES: The aim of present study was to investigate cardiac function change following administration of tramadol using electrocardiography and echocardiography. METHODS: Five healthy dogs aged 3-5 years and weighting 20-26 kg were selected for study. To check the health of animals, clinical and laboratory examinations were performed. Then animals were kept for 2 weeks and vaccination and anti parasite therapy were prescribed for them. This study was conducted in 3 stages and ECG and echocardiography were recorded: before tramadol injection, immediately after injection and one hour after that. Parametric data analysis of variance with repeated measure was conducted using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: Along evaluated parameters, only left ventricular volume in end-diastole and end-systole, time interval between the Q wave to aortic valve closure, stroke volume and ejection fraction showed significant difference between the three stages. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, tramadol shows remarkable anti-pain effects with low cardiac side-effects in comparison to other opioid drugs. However, more studies are needed due to the importance of this subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: One of the important parts of the cardiovascular system is the cardiac vessels. Ultrasonography which is the method of choice for evaluating the heart and vessels in all living animals can also be used in this fish. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to make a full understanding of the anatomic and echocardiographic characteristics of these vessels in beluga and suggest standard methods of ultrasonography for this species. METHODS: In this study, a total of 10 immature belugas were selected. The transducer was placed on the ventral surface of the body, between pectoral fins and transverse and sagittal images were obtained. By moving the anterior and posterior regions the vessels were investigated. After the ultrasound examination, anatomic studies were performed. Length and diameter of the vascular compartment were measured and analyzed by SPSS 16 software and Paired Sample T - method (P>0.05). RESULTS: In ultrasonography, blood flow was visible because of the movement of echoic particles. Two precardiac vessels joining between the liver lobes constituted and common vascular compartment before entering the sinus venosus. In the anatomical study, the ventral aorta was bifurcate near the gills. The right liver adjacent to the vessel was shorter and wider than the left one. Moreover, the common vascular compartment was shorter and wider than the liver adjacent to the vessels. The ventral aorta was longer and wider than the right precardiac vessel and common vascular compartment but was shorter than the left precardiac vessel (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Due to lacing thorough anatomic and ultrasonographic studies concerning the cardiac vessels in this species, this study can be a cornerstone for further researches of this kind. In this study the long left precardiac vessel is named Common cardinal vein and wide right vessel is named Hepatic vein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]