Radiographic Pelvimetry in Budgerigars With and Without Egg Retention

Abstract

Egg retention, particularly in budgerigars, is an important reproductive issue. This study aimed to obtain osteometric measurement values, determine the length/width ratios between measurement values, and reveal the biometric differences in X-ray images of the pelvis of normal and egg-retention budgerigars. Pelvimetric measurements (linear distance, angle, length/width) were obtained from ventrodorsal images of the pelvis of 15 normal and 15 egg-retention budgerigars. The measured values were subjected to statistical analysis. Examining the pelvimetric data showed that the average measurement values of L1 (cranial ilium width), L4 (middle pubis width), L5 (caudal pubis width), L6 (caudal ischium width), A1 (iliac arch), LA2 (left ischiopubic angle), and RA2 (left ischiopubic angle) were significantly higher in the normal group than those of the egg retention group (P<0.05). Additionally, all length/width ratio measurements were higher in egg retention budgerigars. However, while the mean length/width ratio measurement values of L7 (left iliopubic length)/L2 (preacetabular tubercle width), L8 (right iliopubic length)/L2, L9 (synsacrum length)/L2, L7/L3 (acetabula width), L8/L3, and L9/L3 were higher in egg retention budgerigars compared to the normal group, this difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). A1, LA2, and RA2 measurement values in normal and egg retention budgerigars were respectively found at 113.93 +/- 3.39 (degrees) and 95.73 +/- 2.22 (degrees); 115.93 +/- 2.25 (degrees) and 104.67 +/- 2.32 (degrees); 115.13 +/- 2.10 (degrees) and 105.07 +/- 1.98 (degrees). Consequently, the osteometric measurement parameters of the pelvis in the normal and egg retention budgerigars were determined using X-ray images. The morphometric data acquired through this study is believed to hold potential value for veterinarians involved in clinically assessing egg retention in budgerigars.