Avian and Exotic Radiology

Overview Thoracic auscultation limited as is palpation General principles are the same 2 views High detail film Dental machine if patient small enough Mammography film

Avian Restraint Physical or chemical Inhalation anesthesia is appropriate to use In calm birds, restraint using tape or commercially available devices can be used

Avian Restraint Heavy metal examination of small birds Large birds can stand directly on the cassette, or let them perch and use a horizontal beam

Avian restraint Tape Transparent medical tape Autoclave tape

Avian Lower bone density Can do “bird in a box technique”

Small mammals Typically sedated Can be placed into radiolucent tubes or briefly positioned with tape onto cassette Can also use a cardboard or plastic box

Turtle and tortoise Don’t need sedation Will just sit there Place on top of a cup with feet hanging Whole body Extremities

Lizards Usually do a DV and lateral Typically can do without sedation Lower temperature Tape to cassette Blindfold – minimize movement

Snakes 2 views DV or VD and lateral Taken in sections from head to tail Can be coiled in a box for VD or DV May need sedation to get good positioning Plastic tubes can be used Restraint of a snake can be challenging Tape and sandbags usually are ineffective Most need to be sedated

Fish Place in a plastic bag with water from aquarium