Two-dimensional echocardiographic anatomy of the snake heart (Python molurus bivittatus)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1999 |
Authors: |
P.S. Snyder, N.G. Shaw, D.J. Heard |
Publication/Journal: |
Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound |
Keywords: |
echocardiography, heart, reptile, snake |
Abstract:
Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed on Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittutus) to
determine an optimal echocardiographic imaging technique for snakes and to describe the echocardio-
graphic anatomy of the snake heart. Five snakes immobilized with tiletamine/zolazepam and main-
tained on isoflurane in oxygen were imaged in dorsal recumbency. The portion of the snake’s body
containing the heart was submerged in warm water to reduce the artifact created by air trapped
between and under the scales. Imaging in sagittal planes demonstrated the caudal vena cava, sinus
venous valve, right atrium, various portions of the ventricle, horizontal septum, the left aortic arch, and
pulmonary artery. Transverse imaging depicted the spatial relationship of the left and right aortic
arches and pulmonary artery and the horizontal septum. Basic knowledge of cardiac blood flow in the
reptile was necessary to understand the echocardiographic anatomy.