RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF THE COELOMIC ORGANS IN RESCUED BLACK KITES (MILVUS MIGRANS)

Radiographic imaging is widely used as a relatively quick imaging diagnostic tool in veterinary treatment protocols. Avian radiographic procedures have been standardized in developed countries. But in India, the data on standardization procedures and visualization of coelomic organs in avian species, especially wild birds including raptors, is very limited. As a result, coelomic organ abnormalities are very poorly diagnosed in Indian birds of prey like black kites (Milvus migrans), which are regularly rescued and presented to Indian veterinarians. Standardizing the protocol for radiography of black kites and interpretation standards with survey radiographs could aid in prompt and accurate diagnosis of various conditions like pneumonia, proventricular dilatation, pneumocoelom, intra-coelomic mass, nephromegaly etc. and aid in planning of other techniques for management of various clinical conditions in black kites.