1. Exotic Animal Radiography
RVT: Chapter 27

2. Species Variety Avian Mammals Reptiles Amphibians Fish Rodents Ferrets
Lagomorphs
Reptiles
Snakes
Chelonians
Lizards
Amphibians
Fish

3. Objectives for Each Species
Restraint techniques
Safety
Patient
You
Common views

4. Avian Restraint Chemical restraint is best (if stable)
Mechanical restraint:
Bags, pillowcases
Socks
Tape (thoughts about tape?)
Sand bags, rice socks
Plastic restraint devices
*DO NOT COMPRESS CHEST
Guillotine device
Tape- transparent, paper, masking
No diaphragm, air sacs and pneumatic bones

5. Avian Safety Anesthesia Manual and mechanical restraint
Fast (not long), intubation, warming techniques, work quickly
Manual and mechanical restraint
Use least stressful technique
Don’t get bit
Concerns other than the mouth?
Horizontal beam- bird can perch in it’s natural position
Know what you are imaging- that will determine restraint technique used!
Regurgitation is common
Stress is fatal in birds

6. Avian Common Views VD whole body Lateral whole body Wings Feet
Symmetry!
Lateral whole body
With or without wing superimposition
Wings
Mediolateral
Caudocranial
Feet
Tape each toe
Affected limb is pulled slightly cranial; contralateral is caudal

7. Kestral chick
Full crop

8. Small Mammal Restraint
Anesthesia is ideal
Must be in stable condition
Sometimes not an option due to cost
Mechanical
Tupperware, to-go boxes, cardboard box
Foam block barricade
Socks, stockingette
Tongue depressors can move limbs out of the way
Tape

9. Small Mammal Safety Tiny bodies, large biting parts
Easy to fall off of table or escape
Protect rabbit hind limbs!
Do not fast small mammals for long
No fasting of lagomorphs

10. Small Mammal Common Views
Whole body DV and lateral (awake)
Whole body VD and lateral (anesthetized)
Skull and spine
Malocclusions common
Lumbar spine and hind limbs
Trauma common

11. Reptile Restraint Chelonians Snakes Lizards Boxes, duct tape, treats
Tubes
Boxes
Lizards
Tape, vet wrap
Broomsticks
Sponges/foam blocks
Treats

12. Lizard Common Views
DV and lateral

13. Snake Common Views DV
Lateral

14. Chelonian Common ViewsDV
Lateral
Rostrocaudal/craniocaudal

16. Craniocaudal view

17. Amphibians Anurans, newts, salamanders Patient be kept moist
You must wear gloves
Latex free
Sensitive to temperature and stress
Restraint: container, baggie, chemical
Common view is DV (unless sedated)
Lateral (sedated or horizontal beam)
Tip: Use of dental film will give more contrast

18. Fish
Much easier when sedated
Can only be exposed to air for seconds