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This usually results in a better DV projection than what can be achieved by box confinement alone ( Figure 22-8).Ĭlearly, the best positional quality is achieved when the animal is unconscious, which can be achieved using anesthetic gas administered by mask ( Figure 22-9). An animal that is ill and depressed will often remain motionless, at least long enough for an exposure or two however, the position assumed by the hamster may be imperfect ( Figure 22-7).Ī more active animal can usually be kept reasonably still by surrounding it with soft foam blocks within the box that are configured to resemble a mini-corral. The lateral position is less problematic as concerns restraint but does force one to assess the cranioventral thorax and caudal abdomen through the superimposed fore and hind limbs ( Figures 22-4 and 22-5).Ī hamster may also be radiographed while in a cardboard container, for example, a shoebox ( Figure 22-6). For this reason, we prefer the dorsoventral (DV) projection to the ventrodorsal view. These problems are exacerbated when the animal is placed on its back, which alarms most small rodents, causing them to redouble their efforts to escape.

The obvious drawbacks to this strategy are that positioning will necessarily be inexact and superimposition of the limbs on the torso inevitable ( Figure 22-3). If chemical or gas restraint is inadvisable, some measure of control can be achieved by briefly placing the animal in stockinet, pinching the ends closed to prevent escape, positioning as desired, and making the exposure ( Figures 22-1 and 22-2).

Hamsters are particularly energetic and disinclined to be handled by strangers, making radiographic restraint quite difficult.

We see comparatively few hamsters in our practice, perhaps 2 to 3 dozen a year, and only a few of these are radiographed. Farrow D.V.M., in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging: Birds, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, 2009 RADIOGRAPHY