IngentaConnect Computed Tomography as a New Tool for Investigating Leg Weakness ...

Authors: Buda, S.¹; Grönemeyer, D.²; Hafez, H. M.³; Matzke, M.⁴; Walter, A.⁴; Budras, K. D.¹

Source: Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia, Volume 34, Supplement 1, December 2005 , pp. 9-9(1)

Abstract:

Introduction:

Leg weakness causes high economic losses in commercial poultry. The unspecific term includes, amongst others, diseases of the skeletal system caused by genetic, nutritional or microbiological factors. The analysis of computed tomography images may be a new tool to discriminate and evaluate skeletal abnormalities in turkeys and can therefore provide valuable hints in the treatment of turkey stocks suffering from leg weakness. Material and Methods:

Legs of healthy turkeys and those showing clinical signs of leg weakness were examined using a Tomoscan M/EG/Compact (Philips Medical Systems) CT system. The slice thickness and distance were set to 2 mm. In addition to the evaluation of the obtained images, the software system 3D-Doctor was used to create three-dimensional objects of the investigated samples. Results:

Differences between physiological and abnormal parts of the leg bones are distinguishable in the CT-images and three-dimensional reconstructed objects. Bone density can be calculated and thus provides a base to estimate possible nutritional demands or deficiencies. The three-dimensional reconstruction compensates for the difficulties in understanding the detailed anatomical CT cross-sections by which the examiner is confronted while studying the CT images. Conclusion:

Although computed tomography of poultry is too expensive for routine herd diagnosis, and far less for single-animal diagnosis, it is a valuable tool for investigating skeletal abnormalities and is very useful in examining samples related to leg weakness.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2005.00669_19.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Freie Universität Berlin, Koserstr. 20, D-14195 Berlin, Germany 2: Grönemeyer-Institute for Microtherapy, Universitätsstrasse 42, 44799 Bochum, Germany 3: Institute of Poultry Health, Freie Universität Berlin, Koserstr. 21, D-14195 Berlin, Germany 4: Veterinary Group Dr. Matzke & Partners, Rauener Kirchweg 26, 15517 Fürstenwalde, Germany

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Computed Tomography as a New Tool for Investigating Leg Weakness in Turkeys