Validation of ultrasonography in detecting structural disease of the urogenital tract of the koala, Phascolarctos cinereus

Aust Vet J. 2014 May;92(5):177-8. doi: 10.1111/avj.12167.

Abstract

A retrospective review of case records of ultrasonography and necropsy outcomes of 62 koalas was used to investigate the accuracy of ultrasonography in assessing koala urogenital tract structural disease at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. The results showed high concordance, supporting ultrasonography as an effective tool for evaluating structural disease of the koala urogenital tract, most commonly seen with chlamydiosis. The study also illustrates the advances benefiting animal welfare that can be made by wildlife carer groups through using a scientific, evidence-based approach.

Keywords: chlamydial disease; koalas; necropsy; ultrasonography; urogenital tract.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chlamydia Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Chlamydia Infections / microbiology
  • Chlamydia Infections / veterinary*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Observer Variation
  • Phascolarctidae / microbiology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Ultrasonography
  • Urogenital System / diagnostic imaging
  • Urogenital System / microbiology*