Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Urinary System in New Zealand White Rabbits and Tolai Hare

Ultrasonographic examination of urinary system (kidney and urinary bladder) was conducted in New Zealand white rabbit [NZwr] and Tolai hare (Lepus tolai). Ultrasound images of the kidney and urinary bladder were evaluated on fifteen healthy rabbits of New Zealand white rabbit and another fifteen Tolai hares. The healthy rabbits were 8-12 months old (mean = 9.3 months), of both sexes and weighed between 1.1-1.7 kg (mean = 1.250 kg). All examinations were performed while the rabbits were in dorsal recumbancy. The kidneys were examined from fossa by the use of an 8 MHz linear real-time scanner. This study revealed the following measurements normal rabbit kidneys: 27.80-35.70 mm and 16.90-22.40 mm in length and width in New Zealand white rabbit, respectively. The length and width were 26.67-34.50 and 15.82-20.60 mm, in Tolai hare, respectively. Bladder wall thickness varies from 1.70-2.50 mm (in New Zealand white rabbit) to 1.80-2.60 mm (in Tolai hare). Statistical analysis showed that the gender did not have effect on length, width and weight (P > 0.05), but the type of the animal, had significant effect on the cortex and surface (P < 0.05). In the present study, the renal cortex was uniform in echogenicity, hyperechoic to the renal medulla, hypoechoic to the spleen, and isoechoic to the hepatic parenchyma.