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[[Image:Main screen.jpg|200px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
The imaging techniques that are used for other animals can be applied to snakes. However, normals may not be well described so comparison is an important tool.
The imaging techniques that are used for other animals can be applied to snakes. However, normals may not be well described so comparison is an important tool.
==Radiography==
==Radiography==
*Lizards can be radiographed with or without chemical restraint. The oculovagal reflex may be used in iguanids and other lizards may be taped down or radiographed through a box or bag if necessary.
*Lizards can be radiographed with or without chemical restraint. The oculovagal reflex may be used in iguanids and other lizards may be taped down or radiographed through a box or bag if necessary.
*Positioning is very important: standard projection for dorsoventral and horiLizards can be radiographed with or without chemical restraint. The oculovagal reflex may be used in iguanids and other lizards may be taped down or radiographed through a box or bag if necessary.
*Positioning is very important: standard projection for dorsoventral and horiLizards can be radiographed with or without chemical restraint. The oculovagal reflex may be used in iguanids and other lizards may be taped down or radiographed through a box or bag if necessary.
[[Image:Snkeop5.jpg|150px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
===Snakes===
===Snakes===
*Positioning is extremely important and snakes should not be radiographed just coiled in a bag. Radiographs of an entire snake can be taken sequentially and are far more useful than a single radiograph of coiled snake. Sequential radiographs can often be performed on a single plate. A small area of overlap should be included on each film. If possible, the lateral views should be included in the same orientation and position as the dorsoventral views.
*Positioning is extremely important and snakes should not be radiographed just coiled in a bag. Radiographs of an entire snake can be taken sequentially and are far more useful than a single radiograph of coiled snake. Sequential radiographs can often be performed on a single plate. A small area of overlap should be included on each film. If possible, the lateral views should be included in the same orientation and position as the dorsoventral views.
*Barium series can be performed on snakes. Give 0.5% bodyweight in mls of barium sulphate suspension by oesophageal tube followed by 4.5% bodyweight in mls of air for double contrast study. Radiograph in 15 minutes to assess oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. Continue series for lower gut.
*Barium series can be performed on snakes. Give 0.5% bodyweight in mls of barium sulphate suspension by oesophageal tube followed by 4.5% bodyweight in mls of air for double contrast study. Radiograph in 15 minutes to assess oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. Continue series for lower gut.
*Take two views: dorsoventral and lateral. The lateral view is the best for visualising the lung fields and the cardiac silhouette. On the DV view the spine tends to obscure the central portion of the lungs, and almost totally obliterates a clear view of the heart.
*Take two views: dorsoventral and lateral. The lateral view is the best for visualising the lung fields and the cardiac silhouette. On the DV view the spine tends to obscure the central portion of the lungs, and almost totally obliterates a clear view of the heart.
[[Image:Ultrasoundsnake.jpg|150px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
==Ultrasonography==
==Ultrasonography==
Ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic tool and principles for mammals can be applied to reptiles. The main advantage of ultrasonography is in the evaluation of soft tissue organs. The use of ultrasonography is dependent on familiarity with the equipment, knowledge of the normal anatomy of particular species and ability to interpret the images. Minimal information has been published on the use of ultrasound for the diagnosis of diseases, but diagnostic samples and scanning for neoplasia, abscesses and cysts can be routinely performed. Ecdysis interferes with ultrasonography.
Ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic tool and principles for mammals can be applied to reptiles. The main advantage of ultrasonography is in the evaluation of soft tissue organs. The use of ultrasonography is dependent on familiarity with the equipment, knowledge of the normal anatomy of particular species and ability to interpret the images. Minimal information has been published on the use of ultrasound for the diagnosis of diseases, but diagnostic samples and scanning for neoplasia, abscesses and cysts can be routinely performed. Ecdysis interferes with ultrasonography.