A protocol for thoracic point of care ultrasound in rats

Front Vet Sci 2024

March 14, 2024

Anna Piskovská, Katarzyna Kraszewska, Karel Hauptman, Vladimír Jekl

  • Background: Traditional methods for diagnosing respiratory diseases in pet rats, such as auscultation and radiography, often yield inconclusive results. This led to the development of a new methodological protocol for thoracic ultrasound in pet rats.

  • Methods: The paper introduces the RATTUS (Rat Thoracic Ultrasound) protocol, which includes a detailed scanning technique. This protocol offers a non-invasive, detailed examination of the thoracic cavity without the need for sedation.

  • Results: The study conducted thoracic ultrasound on 400 pet rats, describing typical signs of a healthy rat thorax, such as the bat sign, lung sliding, and A-lines. It also introduced a new evaluation of lung inflation symmetry.

  • Limitations: The paper does not mention any limitations of the study or the RATTUS protocol. However, it’s important to note that any medical protocol may have limitations and these should be explored in future research.

  • Conclusions: The RATTUS protocol could enhance the diagnostic accuracy for respiratory conditions in pet rats, aiding in the early detection and treatment of diseases, and potentially improving the welfare of these animals.

RATTUS performance. The rat was placed on a towel with careful restraint, and the fur was not shaved. We used a lot of gel to obtain ideal contact. The examination commenced with the probe being placed perpendicular to the ribs and the marker pointing cranially (A—examination of the axillary line, first zone, B—examination of the scapular line, second zone—as is visible in the picture, both zones were examined without changing the placement of the probe). Then, the probe was turned 90° with the marker pointing towards the sternum (C). The whole thorax was clearly scanned. For a better demonstration, a Dumbo fuzz (hairless) rat was used.

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