Ultrasonographic Anatomy of Selected Abdominal Organs in the Greater Cane Rat ( <i>Thryonomys swinderianus</i> )

BACKGROUND: The greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) is one of the largest rodents in Africa. It is domesticated in the sub-Saharan Africa as a result of increased bushmeat demand and being used in traditional medicine and biomedical research. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to describe the normal ultrasonographic appearance and provide reference values for selected abdominal organs in greater cane rats. METHODS: Abdominal ultrasonography was performed on 10 adult greater cane rats under general anaesthesia. Ultrasonographic appearance was described, and measurements were taken. RESULTS: The right and left kidneys' shape varied from ovoid to bean shaped surrounded by an echogenic capsule with a good corticomedullary distinction. The right renal cortex was mainly hyperechoic to the liver parenchyma. The urinary bladder wall had three thin layered appearance. The spleen had a triangular shape on transverse images. It was frequently isoechoic or hypoechoic to the left kidney's cortex. Five ultrasonographic layers of the stomach and small intestine were identified. The right and left adrenal glands had a good corticomedullary distinction. A small amount of free anechoic peritoneal fluid was seen in seven cane rats, and pyelectasia was observed in five rats. In three heaviest male greater cane rats, multiple echogenic particles were seen in anechoic urine. CONCLUSIONS: This study has provided the normal ultrasonographic appearance and measurements of selected abdominal organs in greater cane rats. This information will enhance the use of ultrasonography in veterinary clinical practice and will contribute to the understanding of the greater cane rat anatomy.