Contrast enhanced computed tomography of small ruminants: Caprine and ovine

PLoS One. 2023 Dec 21;18(12):e0287529. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287529. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

The use of small ruminants, mainly sheep and goats, is increasing in biomedical research. Small ruminants are a desirable animal model due to their human-like anatomy and physiology. However, the large variability between studies and lack of baseline data on these animals creates a barrier to further research. This knowledge gap includes a lack of computed tomography (CT) scans for healthy subjects. Full body, contrast enhanced CT scans of caprine and ovine subjects were acquired for subsequent modeling studies. Scans were acquired from an ovine specimen (male, Khatadin, 30-35 kg) and caprine specimen (female, Nubian 30-35 kg). Scans were acquired with and without contrast. Contrast enhanced scans utilized 1.7 mL/kg of contrast administered at 2 mL/s and scans were acquired 20 seconds, 80 seconds, and 5 minutes post-contrast. Scans were taken at 100 kV and 400 mA. Each scan was reconstructed using a bone window and a soft tissue window. Sixteen full body image data sets are presented (2 specimens by 4 contrast levels by 2 reconstruction windows) and are available for download through the form located at: https://redcap.link/COScanData. Scans showed that the post-contrast timing and scan reconstruction method affected structural visualization. The data are intended for further biomedical research on ruminants related to computational model development, device prototyping, comparative diagnostics, intervention planning, and other forms of translational research.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Goats*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Ruminants*
  • Sheep
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods

Grants and funding

Funds to conduct the research were provided by U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), Army Research Laboratory (received by F.S.G., BAA #W911NF2120034). Funding supported the study team effort, animal procurement, husbandry, and scanning. The US ACURO approved the scanning protocol after it was first approved by the WFU IACUC. The funders had no role in study design beyond advising on how best to situate the subjects on the scanning bed. The data collection, analysis, and preparation of the manuscript were done entirely by Wake Forest personnel. The decision to publish this manuscript was made by Wake Forest, however the manuscript was first reviewed and approved by the funding agency. The funders website can be found at https://www.arl.army.mil/.