In brief
A newly unveiled database provides crucial reference images of under-studied species, improving veterinary diagnostics and care.
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Zoo and Aquarium Radiology Database has emerged to bridge significant gaps in veterinary medicine related to rare animal species. Established by Dr. Michael Adkesson and his team at Brookfield Zoo, this platform arrives at a critical moment when understanding the anatomy of less common species has proven challenging for veterinarians. "Radiologists typically deal with more familiar animals, like dogs and cats," Dr. Adkesson explained. However, the anatomy of less common species, such as black rhinos and pangolins, leaves them largely uncharted territory for most veterinarians.The creation of this database was motivated by a particular incident in 2018, when one of Brookfield Zoo’s black rhinos exhibited vexing respiratory issues. A CT scan revealed a startling lack of prior reference data on the anatomy of these animals, highlighting the urgency for comprehensive medical imaging. The newly launched online database, the result of a collaborative effort among seven zoos, currently houses over 1,000 medical images, including X-rays and CT scans, of about 50 distinct species, which range from the greater roadrunner to the cotton-top tamarin. The initiative aims to significantly expand its catalog to over 10,000 images of 500 species by 2026. This extensive database is expected to not only assist veterinarians in providing improved diagnostics but also serve as a valuable educational resource, shedding light on the internal health status of uncommon species that often evade thorough understanding in veterinary settings.
