• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.417-421
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• 2009

This report describes the normal radiographic and ultrasonographic morphological features of premature minipigs at 4, 8, 12 and 20 weeks of age. Radiographic examination is a simple diagnostic method used to identify the general morphologic state of major organs and their adjacent structures, and to assess the presence of abnormalities. The parameters for evaluation in plain abdominal radiographs are the degree of diffuse serosal margin details, extent of visualization of each organ, their size, shape, and contour, locations of main organs - such as the liver, stomach, spleen, kidneys, urinary bladder - the distribution of the intestines, and assessment of the retroperitoneal space and its contents. Ultrasonographic examinations are used to investigate their internal condition. The parameters for evaluation in abdominal ultrasonography are echogenicity, echotexture, and size and shape of the main organs such as the liver, spleen, kidney, urinary bladder and gastrointestinal tract. Minipigs had similar findings compared to dogs or cats.