Avian and Exotic Radiography Part II

Which views are typically used for exotic companion animal radiography?

Lateral and ventrodorsal

True or False: For most exotic small mammals, radiographs should encompass both the thoracic and the abdominal cavities on the same image

True

Why is it generally ok to encompass both the thoracic and the abdominal cavities on the same image for most exotic animal radiographs?

Because of their small size, the densities of these cavities are similar enough that the technique will not vary

What are some important considerations for exotic companion animal radiography?

1) Use sedation

2) Keep patient warm

3) Monitor patient's temperature closely

For a VD and lateral view of guinea pigs, rabbits, and chinchillas, where should you measure?

Last rib

For a VD and lateral view of guinea pigs, rabbits, and chinchillas, where should you place your central ray?

TL junction

For a VD and lateral view of guinea pigs, rabbits, and chinchillas, where should you collimate?

Shoulder joints to caudal of ilium

Be sure to include limbs

For both VD and lateral views of ferrets and large rabbits, where should you measure?

Last rib

For a VD abdominal view of ferrets and large rabbits, where should you place your central ray?

Caudal to last rib

For a VD abdominal view of ferrets and large rabbits, where should you collimate?

Xiphoid to pubis

For a lateral abdominal view of ferrets and large rabbits, where should you place your central ray?

Caudal to last rib

For a lateral thoracic view of ferrets and large rabbits, where should you collimate?

Shoulder joint to caudal of last rib

What views do you use for reptiles?

whole body DV and lateral views

List some important considerations for obtaining radiographs on lizards

1) Never pull the patient's tail

2) Be sure to lubricate the eyes

3) Reptiles do NOT like to be in dorsal recumbency

How do you obtain lateral radiographs of lizards?

Use horizontal beam so that the lizard can remain upright in a natural position

For whole body lateral or DV views of reptiles, where should you measure?

The thickest point of the body

For whole body lateral or DV views of reptiles, where should you place your central ray?

Over the midline of the body about the level of the TL junction

For whole body lateral or DV views of reptiles, where should you collimate?

Include the whole body

List some restraint options for snakes

1) Place in a tube (best practice)

2) Stretch and tape to a plastic sheet

3) Place in stockinet

For a lateral view of a snake, _______is especially important

keeping the body straight and not coiled

In snakes, the ______ view is better for visualizing the spine and ribs

dorsoventral

In snakes, the ______ view is better for visualizing the organs

lateral recumbency