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SECTION III

The Reptiles

Chapter 32

Snakes

III RADIOGRAPHY AND NORMAL
Snakes are amazing creatures that evoke a variety of RADIOGRAPHIC ANATOMY
emotions in humans, ranging from fear to fascination
(Figure 32-1). Children are often intrigued by snakes Generally, we try to radiograph snakes while they are
(Figure 32-2) and generally are quite willing to handle fully awake, provided they remain still long enough to
them (Figure 32-3), unlike many adults, who are quick obtain an exposure. Most snakes prefer warm surfaces
to express the oft-heard sentiment, “I don’t like over cool surfaces and thus are reluctant to remain on
snakes!” x-ray cassettes any longer than necessary (Figure 32-5).
I have frequently heard others say that cats have an This difficulty can be easily overcome by fi rst warming

instinctual fear of snakes or worse that cats and snakes the cassette, thus encouraging the snake to remain still,
are mortal enemies. Having owned cats for much of at least long enough to obtain an exposure.
my life, I can attest to the fact they seem to greatly In such circumstances, we often begin with a dorso-
dislike vacuum cleaners, but whether it is the snake- ventral view of the snake’s entire body, coiled on an
like hose or the loud noise the machine makes, I cannot appropriately sized cassette (Figure 32-6). Multiple
say. To test this theory of cats disliking of snakes, I have cassettes are used in the event the snake’s entire body
often taken my cat to a nearby wooded area where will not fit on a single receiver, for example, with a

young boys and girls regularly search for snakes. My large boa or python.
cat, who is accustomed to being walked on a leash, Among reptiles, snakes are unique in their ability
shows great curiosity when around snakes and fre- to deform their face and jaws to accommodate the
quently sniffs them (provided they remain still long consumption of otherwise inedible prey. This feat is
enough) but to date has never harmed one (Figure achieved through the coordinated but physically
32-4). separate movement of the jaws, which, aided by their
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