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Avian Diagnostic Imaging
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Introduction
Radiographic imaging is an integral part of avian medicine. Without a good knowledge of normal radiographic anatomy of avian species, it is impossible to read abnormal avian radiographs. Many lesions can be subtle and normal appearances should be known before attempting to describe a lesion.
Patient positioning
One of the most important keys to successfully interpreting avian radiographs is proper positioning. It is difficult to obtain proper positioning without anesthesia in most cases in parrots. In the ventral-dorsal position, stretch the neck out and extend all four limbs. Superimpose the keel over the spine. The keel and the spine should be exactly superimposed. If not, this means the patient is no longer straight and interpretation of coelomic disease is greatly hampered. Extend the legs so they do not superimpose over the coelomic cavity. In the lateral view, again, stretch the neck out. Extend the wings above the body. Stretch the legs beneath the body and separate each leg. Extend the legs so that they do not interfere with the coelomic cavity. When the patient is straight, the coxo-femoral joints will be superimposed. Specialized Plexiglas boards are commercially available for positioning of birds for radiographic examination. These come with attachments to extend the legs and wings and an attachment in which to secure the neck. It is also possible to purchase Plexiglas and use that as a positioning board and secure the patient entirely with masking tape. Alternatively, place birds directly onto the film cassette and hold in place with tape. Masking tape is used as it does not stick and pull out feathers.
Radiographing in an emergency setting
As mentioned, radiography is an essential tool in the diagnosis of disease in birds and this is as true with the emergency avian patient. Therefore, a common dilemma for veterinarians is that although the emergency avian patient may not appear stable enough for radiographs, radiographs may be the best diagnostic tool available. Therefore, radiographs of the emergency patient may need to be taken before the clinician feels the bird is metabolically stable. In many cases, it is not uncommon for unstable, awake, emergency patients to actually appear more stable while under gas anesthesia. This may give the clinician valuable information to make a diagnosis. Also, while under anesthesia, other procedures can be attempted including an in-depth physical examination and venipuncture. There is no easy to follow or “cookbook protocols” concerning when it is safe to take radiographs of the emergency avian patient. Basically, if the doctor feels the patient can endure gas anesthesia, it is stable enough to have radiographs performed. [...]
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