Application of Ultrasonography for in vivo diagnosis of fatty liver disease in mink (Neovison vison)

High abundance of fat stored within the liver, referred to as fatty liver disease (FLD) is frequently associated with mortalities in mink during the growth period. Studies have indicated that increased tendency for development of FLD may be one of the consequences of reduced protein contents in mink food. For studies on FLD in mink, quantitative analysis of hepatic fat in live mink using ultrasonography would be an appealing non-invasive study modality. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a technique for quantifying hepatic fat content in mink by ultrasonography, applying techniques previously validated for use in humans and cats. This study shows that infiltration of the mink liver with fat may be evaluated non-invasively using ultrasonography. This diagnostic imaging technique may prove useful for research in diffuse parenchymal organ disease in mink, though local hair removal prior to application of ultrasonography of organs is a considerable disadvantage in some settings.