Investigating the Echocardiography and Heart Anatomy of Immature Beluga (Huso huso) With the Aim of Providing Standard Approaches

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 study. Animals- 10 immature (2.5 years old) beluga (Huso huso). Procedures- To perform echocardiography, Sonosite-MicroMaxx ultrasonography machine 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.