Comparative evaluation of the cadaveric and computed tomographic features of the coelomic cavity in the green iguana (Iguana iguana), black and white tegu (Tupinambis merianae) and bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

Contrast enhanced computed tomographic studies of the coelomic cavity in 4 green iguanas, 4 black and white tegus and 4 bearded dragons were performed using a conventional CT scanner. Anatomical reference cross-sections were obtained from 4 green iguana, 4 black and white tegu and 6 bearded dragon cadavers; the specimens were stored in a – 20° C freezer for 24 hours then sliced at 5-mm intervals. The frozen sections were cleaned with water and photographed on both sides. The individual anatomical structures were identified by means of the available literature; these were labelled first on the anatomical images and then matched on the corresponding computed tomography images. The results provide an atlas of the normal cross-sectional and computed tomographic anatomy of the coelomic cavity in the green iguana, the black and white tegu and the bearded dragon, which is useful in the interpretation of any imaging modality.