Iodine-Based Contrast Media in Avian Medicine

Iodine-based contrast media are not generally part of routine diagnostics in avian medicine and, therefore, may appear to be of limited value when compared with mammal or human medicine. However, this may be misleading because the lack of knowledge and/or experience in using such methods could be the reason for the infrequent use of iodine-based contrast media in birds. In fact, important diagnostic procedures are often lost because of this naïveté. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of contrast media and their applicability in avian medicine and to describe procedures for their use. Iodine-based contrast radiography is a useful procedure in avian cases where ultrasonography and computed tomography are not available or not possible because of anatomical peculiarities. Side effects with nonionic compounds are rare if the appropriate iodine concentration and dosage are used. Myelography, however, cannot be recommended as a routine diagnostic method because of the high risk of irreversible injury or death to the patient.