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Furthermore, within a species, what’s normal depends
on an animal’s age, sex, and other attributes. “Veterinarians
need access to images of a dozen or more healthy animals of
the same species to see what normal anatomical structures
and normal variations look like,” said Chinnadurai. “In our
case, there may only be one or two CTs ever taken of that
animal of any age or sex anywhere in the world. So for us to
find a normal comparison is incredibly challenging.” 7
To prepare for Layla’s CT imaging and surgery, for
example, Chinnadurai and his team borrowed the skulls of
age-matched, female eastern black rhinos from Chicago’s
Field Museum. Working with museum specimens is 3 CZS veterinary staff take great care in preparing Amur tiger,
Malena, for scanning at Brookfield Zoo's Animal Hospital.
not ideal, he said, because the anatomy slightly changes
after death and the soft tissues are absent. However, the 4 Arnieta, a reticulated giraffe, was trained to voluntarily
participate in diagnostic radiography (X-ray) of her feet using
skulls helped determine surgical techniques to use and a portable digital radiography system. Diagnostic radiographs
minimized Layla’s time under anesthesia. After surgery and are essential to understanding the health of the bones of the
other cutting-edge treatments, Layla is alive and breathing feet and to guide corrective hoof trimming.
comfortably today. 5 X-ray image of giraffe's foot
6 X-ray image of the skull of a giant anteater
7 Tulum, a giant anteater at Tropic World

C Z S R a dio l o g y imaging studies, which include radiology (X-ray), ultrasound,
Most of our consultants’ time is spent reading diagnostic
CZS Radiology
Consulting Service
C o n s u l t in g S er v ic e computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI). Clients provide additional information about
In 2016, Brookfield Zoo became the first zoo to employ board- a case, such as examination and test results. They receive
certified veterinary radiologists and to create a radiology consulting a detailed report giving possible diagnoses, a treatment
service focused exclusively on zoo animals and wildlife. The plan, and recommendations for further examination.
Chicago Zoological Society Radiology Consulting Service (RCS) RCS consultants can provide whatever services a client
has been an invaluable resource for zoos and aquariums all over needs. They can help clients with the imaging itself—such
the world, particularly institutions that are smaller and lack the as choosing which settings to use on a CT or how to best
resources to provide this expertise for themselves. RCS has also position a particular animal for imaging. Some clients want
pioneered advancements in diagnostic medical imaging. assistance in planning anesthesia or complicated imaging
Most of the service’s clients are primary care veterinarians studies. RCS also offers radiology education and training for
who require the assistance of a rare breed of veterinary radiologist— veterinarians, research project support, and study planning.
one who specializes in working with non-domestic animals. Clients benefit from the expertise of other members of
RCS consultants are board certified, meaning they have completed the Chicago Zoological Society team including veterinarians
advanced training in diagnostic imaging and passed the American with advanced training in zoological medicine, anesthesia,
College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) Certification reproductive services, epidemiology, and wildlife disease.
Examination. Clients are charged a fee to cover expenses.

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