Development of a technique for contrast radiographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract in ball pythons (Python regius).
OBJECTIVE
To develop a technique for radiographic evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract in ball pythons (Python regius).


METHODS
10 ball python cadavers (5 males and 5 females) and 18 healthy adult ball pythons (10 males and 8 females).


METHODS
Live snakes were allocated to 3 groups (A, B, and C). A dose (25 mL/kg) of barium sulfate suspension at 3 concentrations (25%, 35%, and 45% [wt/vol]) was administered through an esophageal probe to snakes in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Each evaluation ended when all the contrast medium had reached the large intestine. Transit times through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine were recorded. Imaging quality was evaluated by 3 investigators who assigned a grading score on the basis of predetermined criteria. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate differences in quality among the study groups.


RESULTS
The esophagus and stomach had a consistent distribution pattern of contrast medium, whereas 3 distribution patterns of contrast medium were identified in the small intestine, regardless of barium concentration. Significant differences in imaging quality were detected among the 3 groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiographic procedures were tolerated well by all snakes. The 35% concentration of contrast medium yielded the best imaging quality. Use of contrast medium for evaluation of the cranial portion of the gastrointestinal tract could be a reliable technique for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases in ball pythons. However, results of this study may not translate to other snake species because of variables identified in this group of snakes.
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Radiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Padua, Agripolis 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy.
Tommaso
T
Banzato
Elisa
E
Russo
Luca
L
Finotti
Alessandro
A
Zotti
D000818:Animals; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D017821:Boidae / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D003287:Contrast Media; D001466:Barium Sulfate