engleski

Radiographic projections for diagnostics of most common patologies in Chelonians

Radiography is a very important diagnostic tool use in evaluating chelonians (tortoises and turtles), because standard clinical examination, especially palpation, is limited due to their hard exoskeleton. For the proper radographic diagnosis dorsoventral (DV), lateral (L) and cranio-caudal (CrCa) projection are used. Common radiographic findings of chelonian skeletal system are fractures of the limbs, shell or skull. Standard DV and L projection are used. For carapace and plastron fractures CrCa projection is also recommended. Decreased opacity of the appendicular skeleton due to the decalcification, primary evaluated in the shell, pectoral girdle and/or pelvis, is a typical finding in metabolic bone disease (MBD). Foreign bodies are frequent radiographic finding in chelonian gastointestinal tract. For the accurate diagnosis and treatment it is essential to perform DV and L projections, which may be supported by contrast radiography, if necessary. Frequent pathological conditions of chelonian gential tract include dystocia (egg binding). Radiography made in DV (L is non obligatory) projection is very important for diagnosis and differentiation between obstructive and non-obstructive dystocia in order to determine the appropriate treatement. To evaluate the respiratory tract of chelonians it is required to take images in CrCa and L projection. Common pathology of respiratory tract is pneumonia, characterised by focal or diffuse opacities in the lungs area. CrCa view is neccesary to differentiate unilateral and bilateral pneumonia. Because of the risk of overlooking some pathological changes, the selection of adequate projection is of great importance for proper radiographic diagnosis, due to chelonians specific anatomy and physiology.

Chelonians ; radiography ; radiographic projections

nije evidentirano