Motion control was just as critical as image quality. Ehrgott says even small shifts can compromise diagnostic value. “If a patient moves, motion artifacts can render images non-diagnostic. Any manipulation of Bill carried the risk that he could become agitated and attempt to reposition himself. We worked to disturb him as little as possible while keeping him safely within the scanner’s field of view.”

Ehrgott also credits clear, coordinated communication for keeping the process efficient and safe. Each step was discussed in real time with Bill’s veterinarian, Crook. “I would say what needed to happen next — move him this direction, that direction, or rotate him from head-first to feet-first,” he says. “We’d talk it through, agree on the best move, and she would relay it to her team, so everyone was aligned. Then I’d count us down, and we’d execute together.”


Imaging ultimately revealed several gastroliths—stones crocodiles naturally swallow to aid digestion. Smith says they’re common in the species and likely behind his symptoms. There was no evidence of cancer or other major disease, and Bill’s bloodwork remained stable.

After the procedure, Bill returned to Hogle Zoo and recovered under close observation before rejoining his long-time companion, Hillary. Smith and Crook both report steady improvement.

“Bill continues to do well at this time,” Smith says, noting that his care team is tracking appetite, energy, and any return of bloating.

So far, so good, Crook adds. “Bill’s bloating has decreased recently, and his herpetology keepers monitor him every day,” she says. Still, Bill’s dietary preferences have shifted, prompting adjustments to his feeding regimen.

To Smith, the case underscores how diagnostic medicine continues to extend beyond traditional boundaries. “We are always grateful for what we can learn from our human counterparts,” she says. “The anatomy of a crocodile is vastly different from human anatomy, but CT imaging allows us to get answers for patients like Bill.”

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