Radiographic Technique and Normal Rads of Exotics

What are the general guidelines for rads?

Take directly on plate

Sedation is good

Play around with settings

Use small laterality markers

What animals might not need sedation?

Reptiles

What settings are usually good for exotics?

Low kVp and low mAs

What happens to exotics rads with dog or cat settings?

Overexposure (except for large chelonians)

Why do you need small laterality markers?

Large amounts of metal will affect post processing and make it overexposed

What views do you want for lizards?

Dorsoventral

Lateral horizontal beam

Why is a standard lateral view not used in lizards?

Displacement of visceral structures (no diaphragm)

What can be used to help position lizards?

Sponges

PVC pipe/plastic tube

Tape

Vetwrap

What views do you want for chelonians (turtles)?

Dorsoventral

Lateral horizontal beam

Craniocaudal horizontal beam

Why do you use a horizontal beam view in turtles?

Evaluation of lungs and shell

What can you do to position turtles?

Tape

Cylindrical container/bucket with the turtle on top with legs suspended

What views do you want for birds?

Ventrodorsal

Lateral

What are the optional views for birds?

H view

Bird in a box

What is an H view?

45 degree caudoventral-craniodorsal oblique to evaluate pectoral girdle for fractures

What is bird in a box useful for?

Looking for metal/eggs

What should you do for all bird views?

Extend and separate wings

What positioning devices can you use for birds?

Tape

String

Plastic box

What views do you want for small mammals?

R and L lateral

DV and or VD (DV is easier)

What is a bigger risk for rads of small mammals?

Regurgitation especially in VD position

What positioning devices can you use for small mammals?

Tape

Foam wedges to get them straight

String

What are some challenges for rads of exotics?

Small patients make it hard to see some structures

Often not a lot of internal fat (reduces contrast)

Rads need sedation which has risks

Shell/scales/quills superimpose with normal structures

Different species within groups have different anatomy