Topography and echobiometric parameters of the heart in Boa constrictor constrictor

With the advance of ultrasonic technology, new echocardiographic techniques have been developed and commonly used in veterinary medicine because it allows noninvasive, accurate, and reproducible evaluation. The aim of this study was evaluating the topography and echobiometric parameters of the heart in red-tailed boas raised in captivity. Biometric data were evaluated from the body and heart in 21 Boa constrictor constrictor (17 females and 4 males) using B-mode ultrasonography. The heart was in the first third of the total body length. The mean value of the snout–heart length corresponded to 29.15 ± 2.01% (mean ± standard deviation) of the body length. The statistical analysis showed a significant linear increase between body length/mass and biometric data (P < 0.01). The heart exhibited a topographical location compatible with arboreal/terrestrial habits.