In brief
By compiling thousands of medical images from diverse species, experts hope to boost diagnostic accuracy and species conservation efforts.
A decade ago, the phrase “rhinoceros radiologist” would sound unusual to most veterinarians, particularly those accustomed only to common domesticated animals like dogs and cats. However, Dr. Michael Adkesson, the president and CEO of Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, explains the challenges faced when uncommon animals, such as the critically endangered black rhino, require medical imaging. In 2018, when a black rhino at Brookfield Zoo developed unidentified breathing complications, the team performed a CT scan but was left with more questions than answers about how a rhino's anatomy should typically appear.This gap in knowledge motivated Dr. Adkesson and his team to develop the groundbreaking Zoo and Aquarium Radiology Database. Launched last month in collaboration with seven zoological institutions, this innovative online database contains over 1,000 medical images—including X-rays and CT scans—representing 50 species, such as the cotton-top tamarin and the bowmouth guitarfish, also known as the shark ray. The ambitious aim of the initiative is to increase the repository to over 10,000 images depicting 500 species by 2026. This extensive collection of veterinary data is designed to aid wildlife veterinarians when diagnosing and treating rare and endangered animals, ensuring better health outcomes and more informed conservation strategies.As wildlife conservation efforts intensify globally, this new resource stands to make a significant difference by equipping veterinarians with crucial reference data. It not only accelerates the progress of wildlife health care but also strengthens the connection between veterinary science and wildlife conservation, facilitating a more comprehensive approach to protecting the earth's diverse ecosystems.
