title: Principles of neurological imaging of exotic animal species.
abstract: Because the central nervous system (CNS) is encased almost entirely in bone, the means by which the clinician can evaluate it are limited. Additionally, the small size of many exotic companion animals further complicates diagnostic evaluation of the brain and spinal cord. Knowledge of the advantages and limitations of different imaging modalities, along with the neuroanatomical localization and assessment of likely causes of disease, will permit the clinician to choose the most appropriate imaging method for the patient. This article discusses the basic imaging principles of radiology, myelography, CT, and MRI of the nervous system of companion exotic animals to aid exotic animal clinicians in selecting imaging modalities and interpreting the results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, 2122 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA 95616, USA. mfknipe@ucdavis.edu
authors.forename: Marguerite F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Knipe
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003943:Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological / Q000662:veterinary*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D009192:Myelography / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D013045:Species Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods