The Future Vet Podcast: CBCT and Beyond
Episode 02: What's Inside the Lion? The Amazing Power of Zoo Radiology
How Zoos Use High Tech 3D Scans to help Penguins, Meerkats, Lions and More.
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About:
In "The Future Vet" podcast episode two, the hosts explore the groundbreaking use of a Claris V cone beam CT scanner at a zoo. Through a review of radiology reports on animals like penguins, meerkats, and a lion, they highlight how this technology provides detailed internal images, leading to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment plans.
The discussion emphasizes the scanner's clarity and its positive impact on animal welfare, showcasing specific cases where it proved invaluable. Beyond veterinary medicine, the episode also touches upon the potential of mobile cone beam CT technology in human healthcare, archaeology, and infrastructure inspection, painting a picture of its widespread applications and transformative potential. It offers an overview of the implications and impacts this technology can have.
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THE "MUST KNOWS" CBCT ZOO IMAGING
What is the Claris V, and why is it so important for zoo animal imaging?
The Claris V is a cone beam CT scanner, which allows vets to see detailed 3D images of an animal's internal structures. It's important because it offers much greater detail than traditional X-rays, leading to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment plans, ultimately improving the welfare of zoo animals.
What kinds of animals are benefiting from Claris V imaging at the zoo?
The podcast specifically mentions penguins (monitoring lung conditions), meerkats (differentiating masses from organs), fennec foxes (diagnosing oral melanoma and skeletal issues), black swans (ruling out fractures), and even a lion (assessing intervertebral disc disease). It's a versatile tool applicable to many species.
How does the Claris V improve the diagnosis of lung issues in penguins?
The Claris V allows vets to see the lungs, air sacs, spleen, and heart with incredible detail, even revealing tiny nodules. This makes it possible to track the progression of lung issues over time and assess the effectiveness of treatments, something much harder to do with traditional imaging.
What's an example of how the Claris V helped avoid unnecessary procedures?
In the case of a meerkat initially thought to have an abdominal mass, the Claris V revealed it was actually the uterus. This prevented exploratory surgery and the potential stress and risks associated with it.
What skeletal issues can the Claris V detect in small animals like fennec foxes?
The Claris V was able to identify a fractured C2 vertebra (explaining head-holding problems), intervertebral disc disease, and even a luxation (dislocation) at the base of the tail in a fennec fox.
Why is the clarity of the Claris V images so crucial?
The superior clarity allows vets to confidently differentiate between normal anatomy and abnormalities, leading to more accurate diagnoses. For example, in penguin cases, it enables them to clearly see lungs, air sacs, spleen, and the heart in such detail allowing them to make accurate diagnoses.
What are some limitations of the Claris V, even with its advanced capabilities?
As demonstrated with the lion case, the scanner's field of view can be limited by the size of the animal. They could not scan the entire spine in one go. However, even a partial scan can provide valuable information for treatment decisions.
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How has the use of Claris V impacted communication between vets and animal owners?
The Claris V enhances communication by allowing vets to show owners clear 3D images of their pet's condition. This fosters a shared understanding, builds trust, and enables owners to be more informed participants in their animal's care, contributing to better treatment compliance and outcomes.
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