title: [Comparison of the image quality of conventional and digital radiography in lizards. Mammography technique versus digital detector system].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A conventional high-resolution screen-film system (Film Kodak MIN-R S, Kodak MIN-R 2000) was compared with an indirect digital detector system (Varian PaxScan 4030E) for use in radiography of lizards.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 20 bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps ) with body masses between 123 g and 487 g were investigated by using conventional and digital image acquisition techniques. The digital image was taken with the same dose as well as half the dose of the conventional radiograph. The study was conducted semi-blinded as the x-ray images were encoded and randomised. Five veterinarians with clinical experience in reptile medicine served as observers. Exactly defined structures in three anatomical regions were assessed using a three-step scale. Furthermore, the overall quality of the respective region was evaluated using a five-step scale. Evaluation of the data was done by visual grading analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  None of the structures examined was assessed to be of significantly inferior quality on the digital images in comparison to the conventional radiographs. The majority of the results demonstrated an equal quality of both systems. For assessment of the lung tissue and the pulmonary vessels as well as the overall assessment of the lung, the digital radiographs with full dose were rated to be significantly superior in comparison to the film-screen system. Furthermore, the joint contours of the shoulder and cubital joints and the overall assessments of the humerus and the caudal coelomic cavity were rated significantly better on digital images with full dose compared to those with reduced dose.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The digital flat panel detector technique examined in this study is equal or superior to the conventional high-resolution screen-film system used. Nevertheless, the practicability of a dose reduction is limited in bearded dragons.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Digital imaging systems are progressively being used in veterinary practice. The results of the study demonstrate the useful application of the digital detector systems in lizards.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Vögel und Reptilien, Universität Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 17, 04103 Leipzig. bochmann@vogelklinik.uni-leipzig.de
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bochmann
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ludewig
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pees
mesh_terms: D034841:Abdominal Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006811:Humerus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008116:Lizards; D008168:Lung / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000592:standards*; D011859:Radiography / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*