A study of descriptive values of echocardiography in unanesthetized Syrian hamsters

Abstract

The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is the most commonly presented hamster species in veterinary practice, yet descriptive echocardiographic values remain limited, particularly under conscious conditions. This study aimed to establish normal two-dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler echocardiographic values in healthy conscious Syrian hamsters and to evaluate the influence of age, body weight, and sex on cardiac parameters. Forty Syrian hamsters (27 males and 12 females; one excluded) underwent physical examination, thoracic radiography, and echocardiography. Age and body weight were recorded. Echocardiographic parameters were analyzed for their distribution and correlation with age and body weight. All echocardiographic parameters demonstrated a normal distribution. Age and body weight correlated with several echocardiographic measurements, whereas no significant differences were observed between males and females. The study established baseline echocardiographic values for conscious Syrian hamsters, including two-dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler indices.