Abstract

The correct application of a diagnostic imaging tool such as ultrasound depends on standardization, documentation, and archiving. There are few killer whales in human care, and very few readily available references regarding ultrasound in this species. Expected repeatable "normal" images of the different anatomical systems are necessary to be able to recognize and interpret "abnormal" images. An in-house reference atlas, compiling the most representative "normal" images of each system, and from each animal, resulted from regular ultrasounds during the past 5 years with the killer whale population at Loro Parque, Tenerife. All images were obtained using a Logiq E VET, General Electric, with a 4C-RS, curvilinear transducer (2–5 MHz) and glasses with video display. Attention was given to a consistent labelling and orientation of the images, by positioning the GE sign on the right of the image when scanning the right side of the animal - and on the left side, when scanning the left side. When scanning longitudinally, the marker of the probe was always directed towards the head of the animal (anterior) and when scanning transversally towards the back of the animal (dorsally). This atlas will mainly help compare new findings in the animals with their normal images. On an educational point of view, it will make an excellent tool for new veterinarians to refer to when learning this skill and, not the least, a visual reference for the trainers in charge of the follow-up of the female cycles. It will also be useful for a better inter-facility comparison. Although this document has now been printed for a quicker visual help, this is an ongoing process. Technology evolves quite rapidly, better performing equipment becomes available, and more is learned about interpretation of this kind of diagnostic imaging every day. But also our medical knowledge about these animals is a constant learning curve. Such an atlas would never be possible without the excellent training skills of these animals' trainers.

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank Mr. Wolfgang Kiessling of Loro Parque; Mr. Brad Andrews, Dr. Chris Dold, Dr. Todd Robeck, and Mr. Chuck Thompkins of Sea World, for their warm support; and particularly the whole Orca Ocean trainer team for their constant willingness to perform ultrasound sessions during my visits.