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Journal article
Ultrasonographic features of the platypus abdomen via a limited left pre-epipubic acoustic window from a series of 54 individuals
Australian veterinary journal, Early View
2026
PMID: 42498529
Abstract
Introduction: There are notable differences between the platypus and common species of domestic mammal in the location and structure of some abdominal organs. The aim of this study was to detail the size, position and relative locations of organs in the left side of the platypus abdomen, to assist evidence-based decision-making in a clinical setting.
Materials and methods: Abdominal ultrasonography was performed on 54 wild, adult platypuses (31 males, 23 females) in northwest Tasmania. Examinations were performed under isoflurane anaesthesia, with platypuses in dorsal recumbency, through a 4 × 2 cm acoustic window between the caudal ribs and the epipubic bone. Abdominal organ position and morphometrics were recorded.
Results: The right ventral process of the spleen was located directly under the acoustic window in 53 platypuses. The left kidney was always located dorsal to the right ventral process of the spleen and, at least in part, cranial to it in 46 platypuses. The left dorsal process of the spleen was located dorsally. The left testis or left ovary was located caudal or caudoventral to the left kidney and caudal or caudodorsal to the right ventral process of the spleen.
Discussion: The described acoustic window on the left ventral abdomen provides good ultrasound access to a number of organs in the left side of the abdomen. The position of the right ventral process of the spleen in most platypuses, directly under this clipped area, makes this structure a good landmark and starting point for ultrasound examination of the other organs imaged.
Details
- Title
- Ultrasonographic features of the platypus abdomen via a limited left pre-epipubic acoustic window from a series of 54 individuals
- Authors/Creators
- J. W. Macgregor - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityR. A. Lonsdale - Diagnostic Veterinary Imaging (DVI), Bentley DC, Perth, WA, AustraliaC. Holyoake - School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Environmental and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, AustraliaJ. H. Connolly - Charles Sturt UniversityI. D. Robertson - Murdoch University, School of Veterinary MedicineR. Donaldson - School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Environmental and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, AustraliaK. Warren - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
- Publication Details
- Australian veterinary journal, Early View
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Veterinary Association.
- Grant note
- Forest Practices Authority (http://data.elsevier.com/vocabulary/SciValFunders/501100023361) Edward Alexander Weston and Iris Evelyn Fernie Research Fund Project ID CAG 11‐00128 / Caring for our Country (http://data.elsevier.com/vocabulary/SciValFunders/501100001217) Tasmanian Alkaloids Murdoch University (http://data.elsevier.com/vocabulary/SciValFunders/501100001799) Cradle Coast Natural Resource Management Winifred Violet Scott Estate Australian Geographic Society (http://data.elsevier.com/vocabulary/SciValFunders/100010321) Grant C217‐12 / National Geographic Society (http://data.elsevier.com/vocabulary/SciValFunders/100006363) Council of Australasian University Librarians
- Identifiers
- 991005909774307891
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Author(s).
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability; School of Veterinary Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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