How to obtain skull radiographs and apply objective reference lines for the diagnosis of acquired dental disease in domestic rabbits.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe and demonstrate techniques for obtaining lateral and dorsoventral diagnostic skull radiographs and how to apply objective reference lines for the evaluation of acquired dental disease in the domestic rabbit. ANIMALS: Domestic rabbits. METHODS: Rabbits should be heavily sedated or lightly anesthetized to allow for radiographic positioning. Standard radiograph views include lateral and dorsoventral views. Radiographs should be assessed for straightness. In the lateral view, the tympanic bulla and the rami of the mandible should completely overlap by at least 90%. In the dorsoventral view, the mandibular symphysis should overlap the nasal bone, the maxillary incisors should be separated and well-defined, the zygomatic arches should be symmetrical, and the temporal mandibular joints should be partially to completely obscured medially by the rami of the mandible. RESULTS: Diagnostically positioned skull radiographs can be utilized to apply objective anatomical reference lines to diagnose and monitor acquired dental disease in domestic rabbits. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Obtaining diagnostic skull radiographs is a simple procedure that can be performed in nearly every veterinary hospital. Skull radiographs are invaluable in providing clinicians with information about intra- and extraoral disease in pet rabbits.