Evaluation of Intraosseous Excretory Urography Using Iodixanol for Renal Imaging in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus...

Renal diseases in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) are frequently encountered in clinical practice and represent a significant concern for avian veterinarians. Among the available diagnostic methods, each with its advantages and limitations, excretory urography is considered a valuable tool for confirming and accurately localising renal and urinary tract system. However, due to the small body size of birds, their thin-walled vessels, and the risk of vascular collapse under various conditions, intravenous (IV) access is often difficult or unfeasible.

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of intraosseous injection (IO) of iodixanol, a nonionic iodinated contrast medium (CM), via the proximal tibiotarsus for producing diagnostic excretory urograms in budgerigars.

Twenty clinically healthy adult budgerigars were selected and serial radiographs were taken at multiple time points: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60 min and 24 h after IO injection of iodixanol.

CM distribution in the kidneys, ureters and cloaca was observed immediately post-injection and at the time of maximum renal opacity. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in the length or height of the cranial part of kidney among the three measured time points.

This study demonstrates that excretory urography using intraosseous administration of iodixanol into the proximal tibiotarsus is a safe, practical, and well-tolerated technique, with no side effects, for accurate diagnosis of renal and urinary tract disorders in budgerigars.