Radiography of the thoraco-abdominal cavity of the ostrich (Struthio camelus)

A standard radiographic procedure nas developed for the thoraco-abdominal c avity of female nonbreeding ostriches, Positioning, eollimation, centering and a technique chart were defined to give reproducible and consistently go od quality radiographs. Radiographs were obtained from one adult ostrich ca daver, two adult female ostriches as well as two growing ostriches at vario us stages. A 6-frame technique nas established for lateral views taking the topographic tissue distribution into consideration and using easily palpab le landmarks as centering points. Standing true right lateral radiogaphs ar e recommended for standard procedures. For dorsoventral exposures a 3 frame technique in the recumbent ostrich aas found to be optimal, Birds should b e fasted if possible. A technique chart for lateral exposures is provided.