Normal computed tomographic features and reference values for the coelomic cavity in pet parrots.

Alessandro Zotti,Salvatore Catania,Alessandro Montani,Tommaso Banzato,Irene A Veladiano,Luca Bellini

doi:10.1186/s12917-016-0821-6

Abstract

BackgroundThe increasing popularity gained by pet birds over recent decades has highlighted the role of avian medicine and surgery in the global veterinary scenario; such a need for speciality avian medical practice reflects the rising expectation for high-standard diagnostic imaging procedures. The aim of this study is to provide an atlas of matched anatomical cross-sections and contrast-enhanced CT images of the coelomic cavity in three highly diffused psittacine species.ResultsContrast-enhanced computed tomographic studies of the coelomic cavity were performed in 5 blue-and-gold macaws, 4 African grey parrots and 6 monk parakeets by means of a 4-multidetector-row CT scanner. Both pre- and post-contrast scans were acquired. Anatomical reference cross-sections were obtained from 5 blue-and-gold macaw, 7 African grey parrot, and 9 monk parakeet cadavers. The specimens were stored in a −20 °C freezer until completely frozen and then sliced at 5-mm intervals by means of a band saw. All the slices were photographed on both sides. Individual anatomical structures were identified by means of the available literature. Pre- and post-contrast attenuation reference values for the main coelomic organs are reported in Hounsfield units (HU).ConclusionsThe results provide an atlas of matched anatomical cross-sections and contrast-enhanced CT images of the coelomic cavity in three highly diffused psittacine species.

Highlights

The increasing popularity gained by pet birds over recent decades has highlighted the role of avian medicine and surgery in the global veterinary scenario; such a need for speciality avian medical practice reflects the rising expectation for high-standard diagnostic imaging procedures
The aim of this study is to provide an atlas of matched anatomical cross-sections and contrast-enhanced Computed tomographic (CT) images of the coelomic cavity in three highly diffused psittacine species
The displayed matched cross-sectional images and CT scans shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are approximately at the same level in all the considered species, and the same structures are present in almost all the corresponding slices of different species

Summary

Introduction

The increasing popularity gained by pet birds over recent decades has highlighted the role of avian medicine and surgery in the global veterinary scenario; such a need for speciality avian medical practice reflects the rising expectation for high-standard diagnostic imaging procedures. The increasing popularity gained by pet birds over recent decades has highlighted the role of avian medicine and surgery in the global veterinary scenario. Psittacines have become one of the most diffused avian pet species; their appealing appearance, their deep interaction with the owner and the long lifespan expectation typical of some species represent the main reasons for their spread. The increasing need for speciality avian medical procedures during recent decade reflects the rising expectation among owners for high-standard medical treatment for their pets. Clinical signs are difficult to notice during routine examination, the role of ancillary diagnostic techniques becomes vital in the diagnosis of several different diseases

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