Normal Echocardiographic Findings in Healthy Pigeons

<strong>Objective-</strong> The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of performing echocardiography in apparently healthy pigeons, and measurement of the quantitative cardiac indices using B-mode and Doppler techniques.<br /> <strong>Design-</strong> Experimental study<br /> <strong>Animals-</strong> Ten apparently healthy pigeons<br /> <strong>Procedures-</strong> Echocardiography was performed in ventromedian and right parasternal approaches after evaluating pigeons' heart radigraphically. Cardiac chambers, valves and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated subjectively and objectively by the B-Mode, color and pulse-wave Doppler techniques. The mean and the standard deviation of the quantitative measurements were presented as the objective as well as subjective results<br /> <strong>Results-</strong> The right parasternal approach was more efficient than the ventromedian approach in obtaining high-quality image. Evaluation of the ventricles, atria and aorta was possible objectively by B-mode technique. Valvular function and quality of the blood flow was assessable subjectively by color Doppler technique. Measuring the hemodynamic parameters in the atrioventricular and aortic valves was feasible as quantitative parameters using pulse-wave Doppler echocardiography. No gross lesions were detected at necropsy.<br /> <strong>Conclusion and Clinical Relevance-</strong> Echocardiography showed high accuracy and reliability in determination of avian cardiac indices. Therefore it can be a useful noninvasive diagnostic tool for morphological and functional evaluation of avian cardiac system and can be helpful in diagnosis of avian cardiac disorders.