1. Avian and Exotic Radiography
Chapter 20

2. Introduction
Exotic pets have become increasingly prevalent in last few years.
Caused an increase for need of diagnostic technique and equipment.
All principles for companion animal radiography can be applied to exotics and avian radiography.

3. Special Considerations
Equipment
Essentially same as for companion animal radiography.
A high mA x-ray machine is generally recommended to allow for shorter exposure times.
Maximum kVp is less important for avian and exotic radiography than for domestic animal radiography.

4. Exposure Factors Not usually measured with caliper.
Exposure factors are chosen according to the species and general size of the patient.
Even with the same thickness, birds require less exposure than reptiles.

5. Patient Restraint
3 types of restraint are used for avian and exotic patients during radiography.
1. Manual
Physically holding of the animal
2. Physical
Involves the use of devices to aid in restraint.
Should only be used in animals that are not prone to self-trauma
3. Chemical
Sedation
Head and torso are restrained first, then the wings, and the legs last.

6. Avian Radiography Whole Body Ventrodorsal View Whole-Body Lateral View
Positioned on back.
Physical restraint is preferred.
Whole-Body Lateral View
Placed in right lateral recumbency with wings pulled back.
Wing-Caudocranial View
Manual positioning is required due to awkward position of the patient.
Bird is held upside down and body is perpendicular to the cassette.
Gastrointestinal Contrast Study
Same general principles as those found in companion animals.

8. Rodent Radiography Whole-Body Dorsoventral View
Can be placed in a positioning device
Can secure to cassette with tape
In rabbits and guinea pigs can be positioned the same as a small domestic animal.
Whole-Body Lateral View
Same as dorsoventral or that of a companion animal.

10. Reptile radiography Turtle Whole-body dorsoventral view
Turtle is turned on the back and then returned to ventral side. Turtle will naturally extend legs and this is when exposure should be taken.
Minimal restraint is required.
View should include entire body.
Whole-body lateral view
Turtle is placed on side and attached to wood or plastic rack.
Whole-body craniocaudal view
X-ray beam is through front of turtle

11. Lizard Snake Whole-body dorsoventral view Whole body lateral view
Can be secured with tape with minimal restraint.
X-ray beam is directed vertically through the back of the patient.
Whole body lateral view
Placed in right lateral recumbency against the cassette.
Snake
Whole-body dorsoventral View
Can be placed in cardboard or radiolucent plastic box.
Can be placed in long radiolucent plastic tube with ends plugged.
If radiographing in segments, then make sure to label the segments.
Whole-body lateral view
Can use physical or manual restraint

14. Fish Radiography Dorsoventral and Lateral Whole-Body view
Can be challenging because need water to breathe.
Can be placed in plastic bag and then placed on top of cassette.