The use of sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles for contrast-enhanced ocular ultrasonography of the pecten oculi in birds.

Background: The pecten oculi is a vascular and pigmented structure localized within the posterior segment of all avian eyes. Its primary function is not fully understood yet.

Objective: As ultrasonography (US) is a useful imaging modality for evaluation of the pecten oculi, the objective of this study was to investigate the utility of an intravenous contrast solution of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) microbubbles as a means of enhancing visualization of the pecten oculi in normal birds.

HEMATOLOGIC EVALUATION IN GUANS ( PENELOPE OBSCURA) UNDER PHYSICAL RESTRAINT AND ISOFLURANE ANESTHESIA.

Hematology is an important health indicator in birds, but the stress from capture or anesthesia can cause alterations in blood count. This study aimed to evaluate the differences found in blood counts among guans ( Penelope obscura) under physical restraint and anesthetized with isoflurane. Thirty-two free-range guans from the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) Park were enrolled in the study.