Investigating the Echocardiography and Heart Anatomy of Immature Beluga (Huso huso)

Objective: The purpose of present study was to obtain a complete understanding about anatomical features and echocardiography of Beluga (Huso huso) species in order to provide standard approaches for performing echocardiography on this sturgeon species.Design - Experimental studyAnimals -10 immature (2.5 years old) Beluga (Huso huso)Procedures- To perform echocardiography, Sonosite-MicroMaxx ultrasonography Machin and Linear Probe with a frequency of 6-12 MHz of ventral approach between two pectoral fins were used.Results-Four main parts of the heart were identified in investigations and the way of locating and connections of these parts were examined. Sinus venosus had a thin wall and leaned toward left. The atrium wall was characterized by connective tissue and muscle. There was a valve structure between Sinus venosus and atrium. The ventricle had a thick muscular wall with a two-layer appearance. Conus arteriosus leaned toward right. This part had three rows of valves including one distal row and two proximal rows with a certain distance between the distal row and the two proximal rows.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- Since there has not yet been a complete study on the heart of Beluga species in the terms of ultrasonography and anatomy, the present study can be utilized as a basis for investigating other sturgeon species. In the present study, a standard approach has been provided to perform echocardiography on Beluga species.