Abstract

To measure blood velocity parameters of the pectinis oculi artery using Doppler ultrasonography and compare with values found in the same and in other arteries in other species to corroborate a previous hypothesis regarding pecten´s function in birds.
Twenty harpy eagles (Harpia harpyja) without systemic and ocular diseases were examined. Pectinate artery resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) were investigated using ocular Doppler ultrasonography.
The mean of RI and PI values respectively were: left eye (0.45 ± 0.11; 0.63 ± 0.21), right eye (0.43 ± 0.1; 0.61 ± 0.20) and both eyes (0.44 ± 0.10; 0.62± 0.20).
Low RI and PI values found in the Harpy eagle´s pectinis oculi artery compared with the American pekin ducks one and other tissues suggest indeed a high metabolic activity in pecten oculi and corroborates the hypothesis of a nutritional function and/or intraocular pressure regulation.

Key words: pecten oculi, Harpy eagle, pectinis oculi artery, resistive index, pulsatility