Abstract

Background: Echocardiography is one of the most important imaging studies in cardiovascular research. Its use in small laboratory animal models in developing countries is limited due to deficit of ultrasound machine with high frequency phased-array or micro-convex probe which usually comes with high end ultrasound machines and are quite expensive. The objective of this research work is to propose an improvised method for two-dimensional (2D) guided motion (M) mode transthoracic echocardiography for rabbits in developing countries to overcome the economic challenge especially when basic echocardiography is required in small laboratory animals.
Methods: Ten New Zealand white rabbit consisting of five intact males and five non-pregnant, non-lactating does, with an average weight of 2.16 ± 0.24 kg were used for this study.
Echocardiographic images and measurements were acquired in anaesthetized rabbit according to Giraldo, except for the innovative use of transvaginal ultrasound probe.
Results: The welch t test result showed no significant difference between echocardiographic measurements obtained with transvaginal ultrasound probe and those obtained with micro-convex probe. Coefficient of variation were higher in all echocardiographic variables measured with microconvex probe (MC) compared to transvaginal probe (TVS) with the exception of left ventricular internal diameter at diastole (LVIDd) and left atrial diameter (LAD).
Conclusion: The precision and dependability of the transvaginal ultrasound probe were assessed by comparing the measurements taken with those obtained using micro-convex probe for transthoracic echocardiography in rabbits. The results showed the efficiency of transvaginal probe for 2-D guided M-mode echocardiography in rabbits. More studies are required to fully evaluate its application within the field of small animal cardiology in developing countries without access to high frequency micro-convex and/or a phased-array probe.

Key words: Rabbit, echocardiography, transvaginal probe, innovation, two-dimensional, Motion-mode