Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
Online ISSN : 1347-7439
Print ISSN : 0916-7250
ISSN-L : 0916-7250
Internal Medicine
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Thymus in Holstein Calves and Heifers and its Diagnostic Application
Takashi KUROSAWAYuko KONOHajime NAGAHATA
Author information
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2011 Volume 73 Issue 11 Pages 1433-1436

Details
Abstract

This study was performed to evaluate the cross section of the thymus in 46 clinically healthy Holstein calves and heifers from birth to 100 weeks of age and 8 age-matched affected animals with chronic bronchopneumonia by ultrasonography. The cross sectional area of the thymus increased in healthy calves and heifers from birth to 31 weeks of age, peaked around 35 weeks of age, and then decreased until 100 weeks after birth. A positive correlation (r= 0.74, P<0.05) was found between the area in cross section and the weight of the whole thymus in calves and heifers with chronic bronchopneumonia. The cross- sectional areas of the thymus were significantly (P<0.05) lowered in animals with chronic bronchopneumonia. The cross sections of thymus in clinically healthy calves at 2 weeks of age and heifers at 34 weeks and 87 weeks of age were hypoechoic, moderately hyperechoic and hyperechoic, respectively. The observation of thymus by ultrasonography seems to be an effective tool for estimating the size of the thymus objectively in Holstein calves and heifers from birth to 100 weeks of age. The results of this study prove the approach to be useful and applicable to monitor the growth of thymus in Holstein calves and heifers and their association with chronic pneumonia.

Content from these authors
© 2011 by the Japanese Society of Veterinary Science

この記事はクリエイティブ・コモンズ [表示 - 非営利 - 改変禁止 4.0 国際]ライセンスの下に提供されています。
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/deed.ja
Previous article Next article
feedback
Top