Robert T. O'Brien, DVM, MS, DACVR

The inherent poor contrast within the abdomen and the fact that soft tissue and fluid can not be differentiated radiographically means that contrast media are required for assessment of luminal surfaces, and therefore wall thicknesses of the gastrointestinal tract.

Computed tomography is becoming more and more readily available to general practices, either as a local referral practice or in-house in larger practices. Typically this procedure is performed only on the most complex cases and only under general anesthesia.

Often our most delicate patients, dyspneic cats demand the utmost efficiency with the minimal stress during imaging. While most radiologist would appreciate 2 or 3 view imaging, the practical clinician will attempt to maximize the stress inherent in radiography with a single view.

This session will cover radiographic and ultrasound imaging of the gastrointestinal tract. Many basic principles and "older" techniques will be discussed. Newer techniques including MR and CT imaging will be briefly discussed.

Why do they vomit? Because they can! What organ is the cause? What do we know about pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease and hepatobiliary conditions? This session will present a spectrum of cases, each providing a significant radiographic or ultrasound learning point.

Grey-scale ultrasound has proven to be modestly sensitive for neoplastic nodules in the liver. In cases where there are many nodules, especially larger or coalescing nodules, ultrasound is more likely to detect the nodules.

The patient is coughing with no other signs, but now there is a murmur. What to do? I take radiographs and hope that they guide me for the next test.

Computed tomography is becoming more and more readily available to general practices, either as a local referral practice or in-house in larger practices.

This session will discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of digital radiography. This modality can save time, money and frustration, but comes with an initial up-front financial cost.