Sedation is the key to better bird radiographs

Laila Proença DVM, PhD, MV, MSc, DACZM, founder and CEO of VetAhead, explains practical tips for avian radiography. She highlights 3 positioning checks to ensure diagnostic images, warns against hands-on restraint and improvised fixes, and recommends appropriate sedation to reduce stress and improve image quality.

Transcript

Laila Proença, DVM, PhD, MV, MSc, DACZM: For avian radiographs I check three things. On the ventrodorsal view the keel should be perfectly aligned with the spine. The legs should be extended and parallel to one another. The wings should be extended and symmetric. Those three checks help make sure the bird is well aligned and positioned so you can reliably evaluate the organs.

One major pitfall is hands-on radiography where staff hold the bird and expose themselves to radiation. Another common mistake is inventing shortcuts to restrain birds without sedation. For example, people buy acrylic plates with Velcro to secure the patient and then forget to adjust the kVp for the plate. Those extra steps rarely make life easier because the bird will often move even when Velcroed. I see clinicians try to MacGyver solutions instead of using safe, standard techniques and appropriate sedation.

The secret to good radiographs across species is stopping movement. Sedation makes the patient stop moving. A poorly positioned radiograph raises more questions than answers because you cannot tell whether a finding is a true lesion or just superimposition from an oblique position. Parrots can be especially dramatic. They flap and vocalize, which makes the procedure stressful for staff and for the patient. Sedation done correctly is the best way to get a good image and to keep the patient safe. The risk of death from extreme stress during handling is often higher than the risk from properly performed sedation. It is a misconception that sedation must be dangerous. When done correctly it is safe and it improves outcomes.

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