Researchers have recently looked into the willingness of zoos and veterinary schools to use their large-capacity CT scanners to image obese human patients. While the results showed that animal care facilities aren't a feasible solution for this need, a few facilities suggested they would consider a human exception.

Fortunately for four reptiles who recently underwent CT at a nonveterinary imaging center, some radiology practices also seem willing to consider the occasional exception to their usual patient group.

The four patients, all ailing Texas State Aquarium sea turtles, received much-needed assistance from group practice Radiology Associates of Corpus Christi, TX, at one of their outpatient imaging centers. CT showed that the sea turtles suffered from severe pneumonia and complications due to eating aquarium exhibits, among other conditions.

A CT scan of the pelvis and abdomen of Hemingway, a hawksbill sea turtle with an indiscriminate appetite, showed bolts from the aquarium's Tortuga Cay exhibit and an abscess in her intestines, according to a statement from the imaging provider.

"We actually saw bolts from the exhibit inside her," Texas State Aquarium dive officer and senior aquarist Deanna Gallier said. "She took a big bite out of the exhibit."

The results showed that Itsy was suffering from severe pneumonia and Bitsy had a deviated lung, according to the statement. Daisy received happier news; instead of revealing serious illness or injury, her scan results showed that she was incubating several hundred eggs, potentially explaining her appetite loss.

Radiology Associates provides a wide range of services through its imaging centers, but its patient population is typically restricted to humans. It has, however, provided assistance to the aquarium in the past, helping a dolphin and Texas Indigo snake in need of services.

"One of our physicians was contacted through their personal relationship with one of the veterinarians that handles the aquarium," Radiology Associates administrator R. Ellis Keitt told AuntMinnie.com in an e-mail. "The aquarium approached us when they had an imaging need and we were happy that we could help them."