Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging anatomy of the coelomic cavity in market‐age commercial Pekin Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus)

Abstract

Approximately 27 million ducks are raised commercially in the US each year and Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) are the most commonly raised breed. Additionally, an increasing number of Americans are raising small flocks of poultry, which often include ducks, in their own backyards. This creates a need to better understand the imaging anatomy of ducks. However, in avian species, superimposition of organs limits evaluation of the coelomic cavity using the most common imaging modality, radiography. The use of cross‐sectional imaging including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has increased in veterinary medicine research and clinical use. An anatomic atlas is essential for guiding research and diagnostic imaging. To date, no CT or MRI atlas exists for Pekin ducks. The purpose of the study is to generate a CT atlas of market‐age Pekin ducks as well as CT attenuation values and measurements of coelomic organs with corresponding gross and MRI images. A total of 20 market‐age, commercial Pekin ducks were imaged. Five male and five female ducks were imaged with CT; four of these ten ducks, two male and two female, were frozen and sliced in approximately 5 mm transverse sections for gross anatomic reference images. Six additional ducks, three male and three female ducks, were dissected to measure major organs. Four additional ducks were imaged using CT and MRI and necropsied for gross anatomical comparisons and landmarks. The atlas contained here may be used for future research projects and clinically to aid in diagnosis of disease in ducks.

A Cadaveric Study Using Anatomical Cross-Section and Computed Tomography for the Coelomic Cavity in Juvenile Cory’s Shearwater (Aves, Procellariidae, Calonectris borealis)

“…These modern techniques enable the acquisition of high-resolution three-dimensional images with minimal distortion and even allow for simulations of dynamic processes within different organs, vascular structures, and nerves, all achieved through a minimally invasive approach. A plethora of investigations exist concerning the application of diagnostic imaging to exotic species [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. However, to our knowledge, a dearth of studies address the anatomical characteristics of the avian coelom utilizing Cory’s Shearwater as a model organism.…”