15 hours ago - Education

The best way to X-ray a hummingbird

Chelsea Brasted

X-ray or CT scan image of a small bird skeleton with visible skull, rib cage, wings, and legs on a black background. — A scan of a hummingbird LSU researchers made while trying to find wing fractures. Image: Courtesy of LSU

Ruby-throated hummingbirds will soon make their annual migration north from Mexico through Louisiana and other Gulf Coast states.

Why it matters: Some will end up injured, and those that do might land at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine's Wildlife Hospital — which just published new research showing the best way to identify fractures in these tiny birds.

The big picture: Ruby-throated hummingbirds are among the smallest patients that LSU treats, but traditional methods of finding bone breaks are designed for bigger animals, the university says.

That's why researchers wanted to nail down the best imaging options for these teeny-tiny birds.

What they found: Research pointed to using 3D-reconstructed micro-CT scans as the best solution. These images are created by combining multiple X-rays as the patient slowly moves through a scanner.

By the numbers: LSU's Wildlife Hospital treats about 1,400 wildlife patients annually and is able to release about 73% back into the wild.

What's next: The hospital is currently housed within about 350 square feet of the LSU Vet School, but plans are underway for a standalone facility. See details.

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The best way to X-ray a hummingbird

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