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

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. Experimental study 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. 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. 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.