Download L13 - Realtime Ultrasound Scanning

THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND ANIMAL ETHICS COMMITTEE (AEC)
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FORM
(For Domestic Fowl, Native Fauna/Wildlife, Domestic Livestock & Laboratory Animals)
Title of Procedure:
Realtime Ultrasound Scanning (L13)
Objective:
To facilitate the diagnosis of pregnancy and multiple pregnancies. To measure
the depth of soft tissues.
Details of Procedures:
a)
Pregnancy Diagnosis
i.
The ewe or doe is restrained in a sitting position, parallel to the
operator.
ii.
A small amount of scanning gel is placed on the bare areas of
skin above each side of the udder (wool or hair of some animals
may need to be clipped first).
iii.
The scanner head is then firmly pressed on to the skin and
moved across each side until a diagnosis is made.
iv.
Normal duration is 1-2 minutes.
For cattle, a rectal probe is usually used. The animal is restrained
in a standing position and a hand-held probe positions in the
rectum.
b)
Measurement of fat depth or muscle area
i.
The animal is restrained in a standing position.
ii.
An area on the back is clipped free of wool/hair and coated
with oil (vegetable based).
iii.
The scanner head is held firmly on the back and moved slowly
across the area until the anatomical features are identified.
iv.
Normal duration of scanning is 1-2 minutes.
Drug, Chemicals or Biological Agents:
Nil, unless animals require sedation.
Care of Animals after the Procedure:
Returned to accommodation and cared for as normal.
Qualifications, Experience, Skills or Training Necessary to Perform this
Procedure:
All operators should be familiar with the behaviour and handling methods of
the animal species they are using. In addition, operators should be familiar with
the techniques involved with scanning.
Effects of Procedure on Wellbeing of Animals:
Should be Nil.
Pain Relief Measures:
Not applicable.
References:
Pierson, P.A. et al. (1988) Theriogenology, 29:3.
Wright, I.A. (1988) The Veterinary Record, 123:228
Prepared by: Ruth Tremont (UNE Director of Animal Welfare) and Dr G Hinch
(Department of Animal Science, UNE), 1993
Reviewed by: Prof John Thompson (Environmental and Rural Science, UNE), 2006