Normal computed tomographic features and reference values for the coelomic cavity in pet parrots.
BACKGROUND
The increasing popularity gained by pet birds over recent decades has highlighted the role of avian medicine and surgery in the global veterinary scenario; such a need for speciality avian medical practice reflects the rising expectation for high-standard diagnostic imaging procedures. The aim of this study is to provide an atlas of matched anatomical cross-sections and contrast-enhanced CT images of the coelomic cavity in three highly diffused psittacine species.


RESULTS
Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic studies of the coelomic cavity were performed in 5 blue-and-gold macaws, 4 African grey parrots and 6 monk parakeets by means of a 4-multidetector-row CT scanner. Both pre- and post-contrast scans were acquired. Anatomical reference cross-sections were obtained from 5 blue-and-gold macaw, 7 African grey parrot, and 9 monk parakeet cadavers. The specimens were stored in a -20 °C freezer until completely frozen and then sliced at 5-mm intervals by means of a band saw. All the slices were photographed on both sides. Individual anatomical structures were identified by means of the available literature. Pre- and post-contrast attenuation reference values for the main coelomic organs are reported in Hounsfield units (HU).


CONCLUSIONS
The results provide an atlas of matched anatomical cross-sections and contrast-enhanced CT images of the coelomic cavity in three highly diffused psittacine species.
Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro (PD), 35020, Italy.
Irene A
IA
Veladiano
Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro (PD), 35020, Italy.
Tommaso
T
Banzato
Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro (PD), 35020, Italy.
Luca
L
Bellini
Clinic for Exotic Animals, CVS, Rome, 00137, Italy.
Alessandro
A
Montani
Avian Medicine Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, 35020, Italy.
Salvatore
S
Catania
Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro (PD), 35020, Italy. alessandro.zotti@unipd.it.
Alessandro
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9279-5140
A
Zotti
D034841:Abdominal Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D000818:Animals; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010311:Parrots / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D057805:Pets; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000662:veterinary*
African grey parrot; Blue-and-gold macaw; Coelomic cavity; Computed tomography; Monk parakeet