Relationship between the sonographic foetal lung-to-liver ratio of mean grey level and progesterone concentration in canine late gestation

A study was conducted to perform the quantitative analysis of canine foetal lung and liver sonographic images in the late term of gestation (58-67 days) and to evaluate its association with serum progesterone concentration. Thirty-two pregnant bitches were selected for the study. Lung development of foetus occurs in three different stages viz the pseudo glandular (40-48), canalicular (49-56 d) and saccular phase (57-63 d) of pregnancy. Lungs of the foetus at the time of parturition are in saccular phase of development and the alveolar phase occurs in the neonatal period. In the present study, sonographic changes occurring in the lung during the saccular phase of foetal lung development was evaluated. Mean grey level of the foetal lung and liver sonographic images were estimated using dedicated image analysis software Image J. The lung-to-liver ratio (LLR) of mean grey level (MGL) was recorded. Corresponding progesterone concentrations were also estimated for each animal. Correlation statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between LLR of MGL and progesterone concentration in the animals selected for the study. LLR of MGL is a prognostic indicator of foetal survival and since LLR of MGL and progesterone are positively correlated, it can be used as an indicator of foetal maturity in place of progesterone concentration. Keywords: Lung-to-liver ratio of mean grey level, ultrasonography, progesteron

Anatomy of Liver and Radiographic Study on Hepatic Duct in a South African Ostrich Struthio camelus australis

The South African Ostrich Struthio camelus australis, an acarinate flightless ratite bird, native to the African continent has been introduced in many countries including India in the recent past for meat as well as egg purpose. Although this largest extant bird is gaining popularity globally, the functional anatomy of this majestic giant has received relatively less attention. The liver, the largest gland in the body of an Ostrich (weighing approximately 1.5-2 Kg) is also the heaviest among all the birds.  The Ostrich lacks gall bladder and thus, the bile needs to be produced continuously as in the case of certain mammals like horses and elephants. The present study aimed to investigate the gross morphological and radiographic characteristics of the liver of the Ostrich. The liver was divisible into two primary lobes: an undivided right lobe and a divided left lobe. The later consisted of dorso-cranial, intermediate, and ventro-caudal lobes. Notably, the ventro-caudal lobe was observed as the largest, while the intermediate lobe was the smallest. The right lobe, larger than the left, was connected to later by a thick isthmus at its cranial extremity. Using barium sulphate injection and positive contrast radiography, the intrahepatic course of the hepatic duct was visualized, revealing two distinct divisions and tributaries thereof for draining bile from the right and left lobes, respectively. A radiographic study of the intrahepatic course of the hepatic duct revealed a single right intralobar duct and two left intralobar ducts. The distinct isthmus was drained by the branch of the left intralobar duct