MRI Anatomical Investigation of Rabbit Bulbourethral Glands

Abstract

Anatomical MRI is appropriate for the interpretation of soft tissue findings in the retroperitoneal part of the pelvic cavity. The aim of the current study was to use rabbits as an imaging model to optimize MRI protocols for the investigation of bulbourethral glands. The research was conducted on twelve clinically healthy, sexually mature male rabbits, eight months of age (New Zealand White), weighing 2.8 kg to 3.2 kg. Tunnel MRI equipment was used. The transverse MRI in the T2-weighted sequence obtained detailed images that were of higher anatomical contrast than those in T1-weighted sequences. The hyperintensity of the glandular findings at T2, compared to the adjacent soft tissues, was due to the content of secretory fluids. The quality of the anatomical tissue contrast has not shown much dependence on the choice of the sequence in dorsal MRI. The sagittal visualization of the rabbit bulbourethral glands corresponded to the localization of the research plane toward a median plane. The imaging results could be used as a morphological base for clinical practice and reproduction.

Intelligent Animal Husbandry: Present and Future

“…The bulbourethral gland of rabbits has a crucial role in the production of semen with high quality and its transport to the female copulatory organ during ejaculation [16]. The investigation by Dimitrov et al presented in this SI [8] supports the notion that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a definitive and innovative method for studying this accessory gland in rabbit, allowing differentiation of the glands from neighboring soft tissue structures. The authors stress that MRI, an intelligent and non-invasive technique, could improve knowledge for the assessment of the reproductive system status in small farm animals.…”

“…Animal welfare requires strict control of the environment on the farm level by using automated sensor systems and up-to date diagnostic methods for the early detection of possible diseases. These can detect different changes in the environment, animal behavior, and some indicators characterizing their health status [ 1 , 7 , 8 ]. Housing a smaller number of animals in a good health condition, but with better productive qualities, is associated with a higher profitability of the farm and the production of lower manure masses, which has a crucial role in protecting the environment and reducing gasses from the animal husbandry industry [ 4 , 9 ].…”

“…This Special Issue presents experimental and review material for discussing a wide spectrum of questions related to “Intelligent Animal Husbandry”, from the use of modern technologies for genetic progress in animals, to the application of information and communications technologies (ICT) to control the behavior and breeding conditions of animals, to intelligent waste management in animal husbandry ( Figure 1 ). The publications included in the collection reflect an opportunity for intelligent approaches and smart solutions for raising different species of farm animals: dairy animals, such as cows and buffaloes [ 6 , 12 ]; pigs [ 4 , 13 ]; silkworms [ 14 ]; rabbits [ 8 ]; and chickens [ 11 ].…”