Radiographic anatomy of the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) axial and appendicular skeleton

Abstract

Cockatiels are popular pets. Still, despite medical and surgical relevance, the radiographic anatomy of the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) skeleton, like that of different wild and exotic bird species, has seldom been described. This study set out to describe the radiographic anatomy of the cockatiel skeleton. Twelve adult male and nine adult female specimens were radiographed using a digital X‐ray system and different views. The radiographic anatomy of these birds was similar to that of other Psittacidae. However, some particularities inherent to the target species were detected, such as the presence of four flexion zones in the skull (craniofacial, nasal, jugal arch and palatine), complete bony orbit comprising a suborbital arch, 34–38 vertebrae (10 or 11 cervical, 8 or 9 thoracic, 9 or 10 lumbosacral, 5 or 6 caudal vertebrae and a pygostyle comprising 2 fused vertebrae), eight or nine pairs of ribs and a notarium made up of fused T2–T6 vertebrae. Poor radiopacity of the notarium, ribs and respective uncinate processes, and synsacral vertebrae made demarcation of these structures difficult. The appendicular skeleton of the cockatiel was very similar to that of other Psittacidae, and there were no gender‐related differences.

Computed tomographic and gross anatomy of the head of the blue‐fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva)

“…The head of the blue-fronted Amazon parrot was anatomically similar to that of other psittacine, except for bone morphology, and there were no gender-related differences (Carril, Tambussi, Degrange, Benitez Saldivar, & Picasso, 2016;Cavinatto, Armando, Cruz, De Lima, & Santana, 2016;Silva et al, 2020). and allowed description of topographical relationships between structures, with no superimposition (Gumpenberger, Henninger, & Ecvdi, 2001).…”

“…Wider availability of modern imaging modalities has led to enhanced diagnostic accuracy in wild and exotic animal medicine (Ricciardi et al., 2019). Radiography and computed tomography (CT) are two of the most commonly used imaging modalities in veterinary practice (Silva, Vieira, Mancini, Faillace, & Santana, 2020). Computed tomography is a non‐invasive assessment method which provides high‐definition images of bones and organs and allows concurrent imaging of several structures with no superimposition (Mackey, Hernandez‐Divers, Holland, & Frank, 2008).…”

Sex determination in budgerigars using radiographic pelvimetry

“…In addition to the aforementioned techniques, the radiological imaging method, in particular, is routinely employed in the examination of morphological and morphometric characteristics of various osteological structures, including the pelvis, in birds. This method is inexpensive and easy to use, and images can be obtained quickly (Cavinatto et al, 2016;Harcourt-Brown, 2001;Silva et al, 2020;Smith & Smith, 1992). In this study, the ventrodorsal radiographic images of budgerigars were utilized to determine linear osteometric measurements and angle values of the pelvis.…”

Review of morphology, development, and evolution of the notarium in birds

“…In the Psittaciformes, the evidence of notarium in the literature is reported in two females of Forpus passerinus ("Green-rumped parrotlet") with three vertebrae fused by the vertebral centra, which is possibly a pathological condition (Samejima & Otsuka, 1984) and five fused thoracic in some individuals of Nymphicus hollandicus ("cockatiel") (Silva et al, 2019). To date, there is no data for any of the other members of this group, but a more detailed check on a wide number of species is necessary.…”