DETERMINATION OF THE ENHANCEMENT EFFECT AND DIAMETERS OF THE MAJOR ARTERIES OF AFRICAN GREY PARROTS USING A DUAL-HEAD POWER INJECTOR FOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ANGIOGRAPHY
Journal
Taiwan Veterinary Journal
Journal Volume
41
Journal Issue
03
Pages
165--175
Date Issued
2015-09
Author(s)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to establish a computed tomographic angiography protocol using a dual-head power injector as well as measure the attenuation values and diameters of the major arteries in African Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus). A 16-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner was used to measure the region of interest (ROI) in six major arteries. Before scanning, each bird underwent physical, blood, and cardiological examinations and were considered healthy. Each bird was sedated under general anesthesia during the CT-angiography (CT-A) procedure. A dual-head power injector with a saline chaser technique was used to administer the contrast medium and saline flush. We used a real-time bolus-tracking method and triggered the scan manually once the peak enhancement of ascending aorta was reached. All measurements were made by two double-blinded clinicians. The reference ranges before and after contrast medium administration via the body, pulmonary, and bone windows were set up accordingly. Inter-observer consistency in measurements was high in post-contrast values via the body window. Hence, the present study concluded that it is feasible to use saline chaser with dual-head power injector upon performing CT-A in parrots and analyze the image in a body window. Also, an anesthetic protocol during CT-A was also proved to be practical. However, further studies are needed to improve the diagnostic potential and utility of CT-A in parrots.
SDGs
Type
journal article