Monitoring of the Reproductive Cycle in Captive-Bred Female <i>Boa constrictor</i>: Preliminary Ultrasound Observations
The <i>Boa constrictor</i> is one of the most common reptiles bred in captivity. To achieve a successful breeding season, thorough knowledge of the females’ reproductive activity is necessary. In this regard, information on the <i>Boa constrictor</i> is still rather scarce. T...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2021-10-01
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| Series: | Animals |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/11/3069 |
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| author | Mara Bertocchi Enrico Bigliardi Igor Pelizzone Alessandro Vetere Sabrina Manfredi Diego Cattarossi Matteo Rizzi Francesco Di Ianni |
| author_facet | Mara Bertocchi Enrico Bigliardi Igor Pelizzone Alessandro Vetere Sabrina Manfredi Diego Cattarossi Matteo Rizzi Francesco Di Ianni |
| author_sort | Mara Bertocchi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The <i>Boa constrictor</i> is one of the most common reptiles bred in captivity. To achieve a successful breeding season, thorough knowledge of the females’ reproductive activity is necessary. In this regard, information on the <i>Boa constrictor</i> is still rather scarce. The aim of the present study was to monitor the ovarian activity and the embryonic development of boas by ultrasound. We performed brief scans on thirty non-anaesthetized snakes using a portable ultrasound system and a 7.5–10 MHz linear array transducer (Esaote MyLab™ Classic). Ultrasound features, dimensions, and echogenicity of the preovulatory and postovulatory follicles were determined. As gestation progresses, the postovulatory follicle size increases, and the embryonic silhouette becomes increasingly recognizable. During the second month after ovulation, by using color Doppler, early embryos’ heart activity could be evaluated. It is possible to highlight vascular connections between the mother and the membrane covering the embryonic structures. Ultrasound also allows one to identify follicular regression or slugs (nonfertilized eggs) early. The present study suggests that ultrasound could be an excellent noninvasive technique to evaluate the reproductive activity of <i>Boa constrictor</i>, allowing us to precisely identify the correct time for mating, monitor embryo development and viability, and allow the early diagnosis of follicular regression. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T04:37:19Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-ce6996ffc2db4d768d93d27917d9c463 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2076-2615 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T04:37:19Z |
| publishDate | 2021-10-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Animals |
| spelling | doaj.art-ce6996ffc2db4d768d93d27917d9c4632023-12-03T13:27:08ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152021-10-011111306910.3390/ani11113069Monitoring of the Reproductive Cycle in Captive-Bred Female <i>Boa constrictor</i>: Preliminary Ultrasound ObservationsMara Bertocchi0Enrico Bigliardi1Igor Pelizzone2Alessandro Vetere3Sabrina Manfredi4Diego Cattarossi5Matteo Rizzi6Francesco Di Ianni7Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, ItalyAmbulatorio Veterinario Belvedere, Via Pietro Bembo 12, 42123 Reggio Emilia, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, ItalyClinica Veterinaria Casale sul Sile, Via Massiego 4, 31032 Casale sul Sile, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, ItalyThe <i>Boa constrictor</i> is one of the most common reptiles bred in captivity. To achieve a successful breeding season, thorough knowledge of the females’ reproductive activity is necessary. In this regard, information on the <i>Boa constrictor</i> is still rather scarce. The aim of the present study was to monitor the ovarian activity and the embryonic development of boas by ultrasound. We performed brief scans on thirty non-anaesthetized snakes using a portable ultrasound system and a 7.5–10 MHz linear array transducer (Esaote MyLab™ Classic). Ultrasound features, dimensions, and echogenicity of the preovulatory and postovulatory follicles were determined. As gestation progresses, the postovulatory follicle size increases, and the embryonic silhouette becomes increasingly recognizable. During the second month after ovulation, by using color Doppler, early embryos’ heart activity could be evaluated. It is possible to highlight vascular connections between the mother and the membrane covering the embryonic structures. Ultrasound also allows one to identify follicular regression or slugs (nonfertilized eggs) early. The present study suggests that ultrasound could be an excellent noninvasive technique to evaluate the reproductive activity of <i>Boa constrictor</i>, allowing us to precisely identify the correct time for mating, monitor embryo development and viability, and allow the early diagnosis of follicular regression.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/11/3069<i>Boa constrictor</i>reptilereproductionultrasound |
| spellingShingle | Mara Bertocchi Enrico Bigliardi Igor Pelizzone Alessandro Vetere Sabrina Manfredi Diego Cattarossi Matteo Rizzi Francesco Di Ianni Monitoring of the Reproductive Cycle in Captive-Bred Female <i>Boa constrictor</i>: Preliminary Ultrasound Observations Animals <i>Boa constrictor</i> reptile reproduction ultrasound |
| title | Monitoring of the Reproductive Cycle in Captive-Bred Female <i>Boa constrictor</i>: Preliminary Ultrasound Observations |
| title_full | Monitoring of the Reproductive Cycle in Captive-Bred Female <i>Boa constrictor</i>: Preliminary Ultrasound Observations |
| title_fullStr | Monitoring of the Reproductive Cycle in Captive-Bred Female <i>Boa constrictor</i>: Preliminary Ultrasound Observations |
| title_full_unstemmed | Monitoring of the Reproductive Cycle in Captive-Bred Female <i>Boa constrictor</i>: Preliminary Ultrasound Observations |
| title_short | Monitoring of the Reproductive Cycle in Captive-Bred Female <i>Boa constrictor</i>: Preliminary Ultrasound Observations |
| title_sort | monitoring of the reproductive cycle in captive bred female i boa constrictor i preliminary ultrasound observations |
| topic | <i>Boa constrictor</i> reptile reproduction ultrasound |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/11/3069 |
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