Radiography and Ultrasonography in the Backyard Poultry and Waterfowl Patient

Abstract

The keeping of backyard poultry and waterfowl as pets has become increasingly popular in recent years, resulting in a rising case load of these patients in veterinary practices. Diagnostic imaging techniques are taking a leading role in rapid diagnosis in the live bird. We provide an overview of the most important points regarding radiographic and ultrasonographic imaging procedures in these birds. We also review the most commonly documented radiographic and ultrasonographic signs in these species, as well as discuss unique anatomic characteristics with which the veterinarian should be familiar.

Ultrasound evaluation of small intestinal thickness and a comparison to body weight in normal chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

“…The left lateral approach was used in all chickens to ensure the duodenum (which is normally located on the right side of the coelomic cavity) was not inadvertently selected. Avian patients are increasingly being presented for evaluation in veterinary hospitals worldwide and coelomic ultrasound is a useful tool in the investigation of many coelomic diseases, including hepatomegaly, GI disease and reproductive diseases such as salpingitis and egg yolk peritonitis . Ultrasonography of the normal avian GI tract has been described in 12 pigeons 5 and a statistically significant difference was found in the duodenal thickness between healthy pigeons and those with GI disease.…”

“…For example, ultrasonographic evaluation of duodenal thickness in pigeons demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the thickness of the intestinal wall between healthy pigeons and pigeons with GI disease . In Australia, chickens have been identified as the third most popular species of pet bird, but normal and abnormal ultrasonographic findings of the GI tract have been rarely reported . Ultrasound in chickens has the potential to aid in the investigation of GI disease such as coccidiosis, colibacillosis and necrotic enteritis, which may alter intestinal wall thickness.…”

Reproductive tract diseases in female backyard chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) – diagnostic imaging and final outcome during a decade

“…The patients were manually restrained, with most patients being examined in an upright-position, standing on the examination table and observing considerate handling. The ventromedian coupling site (with the transducer positioned in the midline immediately caudal to the sternum) as well as the caudal parasternal approach were used [13].The feathers were parted and moistened by means of an alcoholic spray in order to avoid interference with the coupling site. Water-soluble acoustic gel was applied to ensure optimal transducer-skin contact.…”

“…However,differentiationislimitedinconditionswhichcausediffuse opacificationofthecaudalcoelom [12].Inthesecases,atleastadditional coelomic ultrasonography will be necessary to draw conclusions. Ultrasonographic examination of the reproductive tract canbechallenginginthepresenceoffullycalcifiedeggshellsdue tothereflectionoftheultrasoundwaves [13].Evaluationofother coelomic organs may then be hindered. Still it is the method of choicefordiagnosisofeggbindingwithoutacalcifiedshell.Itmay even allow to distinguish whether the egg is still located within the salpinx or loose in the coelomic cavity [13] [14].…”

“…Ultrasonographic examination of the reproductive tract canbechallenginginthepresenceoffullycalcifiedeggshellsdue tothereflectionoftheultrasoundwaves [13].Evaluationofother coelomic organs may then be hindered. Still it is the method of choicefordiagnosisofeggbindingwithoutacalcifiedshell.Itmay even allow to distinguish whether the egg is still located within the salpinx or loose in the coelomic cavity [13] [14]. Common ultrasonographyfindingsareegg-relatedcoelomitis,laminatedeggs,impactionofthesalpinx,andsalpingitis [13].Oftencombinedmethods(radiographyandsonography)areneededtodrawfinalintra vitam conclusions.…”