Avian and Exotic Radiography Part I

Why is imaging an important diagnostic tool in avian and exotic veterinary medicine?

In birds the anatomy of the respiratory tract limits auscultation, and palpation of the viscera is difficult

Because of lower bone density than in reptiles or mammals, _____ exposure is needed for birds of the same thickness:

a) More

b) Less

Less

If there is not a specific avian or exotic small mammal chart, the ______ chart can be used

cat abdomen chart

When using the cat abdomen chart for avian radiographs, you should _______ mAs by 50%

a) Increase

b) Decrease

b) Decrease

When imaging avians and exotic mammals, how many views are typically taken?

Two orthogonal views

For avian and exotic mammal radiography, kVP should be in the ______ range

40 to 60 kV range

Define coelem

Coelom is the main body cavity, encompassing both the thoracic and abdominal areas.

Remember that birds lack a diaphragm to separate the thoracic and abdominal cavities

For Avian Coelom Lateral view, where should you place your central ray?

At the level of the xiphoid (caudal tip of keel), between the spine and keel

What is a bird's keel?

Sternum

For Avian Coelom Lateral view, where should you collimate?

Small Birds: The whole body should be included

Large and Medium Birds: Include the coelom, proximal extremities, and caudal cervical regions or the area of interest. Multiple exposures are needed for larger birds, especially long-necked patients such as swans

For Avian Coelom Lateral view, how should the patient be positioned?

Head: Tape/Velcro is gently placed across the neck at the base of the skull with neck extended to reduce curvature of the neck

Wings: Extend the wings dorsally in full extension; tape the dependent wing first and then superimpose the upper wing

Pelvic Limbs: Extend and superimpose the pelvic limbs slightly caudally, secure the tape or gauze to the distal tarsometatarsal bones, and extend the limbs

*Tape the dependent limb first*

What are types of tape used in Avian restraint?

1) Transparent medical tape (best option)

2) Paper masking tape or autoclave tape

For the avian coelem VD, how should the patient be positioned?

Head: If using a bird-positioning board, gently place the head in the cervical restrainer

if not using a bird-positioning board, place tape at the mandibular articulation at the base of the skull

Wings: Open the wings at a 90-degree angle to the body with two pieces of tape crossed at the carpal region of each wing

Pelvic limbs: Apply tape or tubing separately around each tarsometatarsus and pull caudally and symmetrically

◦Tail: Tape close to the base of the tail if needed

Why should you never place tape over a bird's chest?

Because of the delicate air sacs, respiration could be affected

For the avian coelem VD, where should you place your central ray?

Over the midline at the caudal tip of the sternum

For the avian coelem VD in a small bird, where should you place your borders?

Include the whole body

For the avian coelem VD in a large bird, where should you place your borders?

Include the coelom, proximal extremities, and caudal cervical regions or the area of interest. Multiple exposures are needed for larger birds.

To ensure that a VD coelom or whole-body view will appear symmetrical, what three things should you check?

1) The keel (sternum) is directly over the spine

2) The scapula, acetabula, and femurs are parallel, equidistant, and symmetrical

3) The wings are open at 90 degrees to the body

For avian wing mediolateral, where should you place your central ray?

Midwing or the area of interest

For avian wing mediolateral, where should you place your borders?

Include the entire wing, including the scapulohumeral joint

Describe positioning for avian wing mediolateral

The patient will be in dorsal recumbency

Center the wing and area of interest

Tape at the mandibular articulation at base of the skull

Open the wings at a 90-degree angle to the body, with two pieces of tape crossed at the carpal region of each wing

Separate and tape the pelvic limbs at the tarsometatarsal bones

Tape the tail close to the base

Describe positioning for avian wing caudocranial

Carefully position the patient upside down with the head directed to the floor

Have the long axis of the body parallel to the vertically directed x-ray beam

Extend the wing fully with its cranial edge in contact with the image receptor

For the _______ view of the avian wing, you have to actually hold the patient vs. taping or using restraint devices

caudocranial view

True or False: It is appropriate to take a caudocranial view of the avian wing without sedation as long as you complete the exposure quickly

False. Patient has to be sedated.