A comparative study of portable ultrasound devices in the evaluation of Atlantic bottlenose dolphin mammary gland morphology

Diagnostic ultrasound imaging is vital in human and veterinary medicine, facilitating non-invasive examinations and enhancing clinical outcomes. However, despite the increasing advances in ultrasound technology, there are few animal studies comparing scanner performance, particularly between cart-based and handheld models. We evaluated the performance of three ultrasound scanners—the cart-based Sonosite Edge II and handhelds Clarius Scanner C3 HD3 and Edge SS-H6—on mammary gland assessment of female Atlantic bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) under human care. Advantages and disadvantages of each scanner for field-based measurements were assessed. Sonosite provided superior image quality but was unsuitable for performing scans in sea pens due to its weight, need of AC power and lack of waterproofing. Clarius and Edge offered greater portability, allowing examinations during adverse weather, although Wi-Fi connectivity could be hampered if mobile devices linked to the transducer connected to other networks during scanning. In showing that mammary glands increase in thickness with age, we highlight the need for consistent equipment use for organ measurements, as the variability among scanners could impact assessments and physiological interpretations (e.g. reproductive stage). This research emphasizes the importance of environmental factors and device characteristics when selecting ultrasound equipment for marine mammal studies in artificial and natural habitats.