Establishing an MRI-Based Protocol and Atlas of the Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) Brain

Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Bradley P. Sutton¹  Kari D. Foss²  Spencer P. Kehoe²  Krista A. Keller³ 

[1] Department of Bioengineering, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States;Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States;Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States;

关键词: bearded dragon;    MRI;    brain;    neurology;    exotic;    atlas;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fvets.2022.886333

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) has become a popular companion lizard, and as such, clients have increasingly come to expect the application of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options in their care. The purpose of this study was to establish an MRI-based protocol and brain atlas to improve diagnostic capabilities in bearded dragons presenting with neurologic dysfunction. Using a high-field 3T magnet, in vivo MRI of the brain was successfully performed in seven healthy bearded dragons utilizing an injectable anesthetic protocol utilizing intravenous alfaxalone. From this, we created an atlas of the brain in three planes, identifying nine regions of interest. A total scan time of 35 min allowed for the collection of a quality diagnostic scan and all lizards recovered without complication. This study provides practitioners a neuroanatomic reference when performing brain MRI on the bearded dragon along with a concise and rapid MRI protocol.

【 授权许可】

Unknown