Diagnostics

A recent study sought to establish the incidence of and risk factors for seizures after myelography with iohexol in dogs.

Our study shows that almost 20 percent more veterinary hospitals are using social media compared with last year. Find out how many of your colleagues are posting their way to a better practice.

This effective, minimally invasive outpatient procedure can offer immediate relief of stranguria.

Reading radiographs and crime scene investigation require similar skills. Both require identifying a victim, crime, considering the most likely suspects, looking for clues and then building your case or "telling the story". Sticking to these principles will result in a higher conviction rate.

Interpretation of radiographic findings must take patient age and breed into account. Both cats and dogs have typical or age acceptable juvenile and geriatric findings that should not be assumed pathologic. The following is a partial list of age and breed acceptable thoracic findings.

Clipping the hair over the last 2-3 intercostal spaces and extending the area dorsally is important for complete visualization of the liver, particularly in deep chested dog or dogs with small livers.

Clipping the hair over the last 2-3 intercostal spaces and extending the area dorsally is important for complete visualization of the right kidney in the dog.

Clipping the hair and applying alcohol and ultrasound gel is important for maximizing image quality. Ultrasound of the bladder should be performed with the bladder distended; therefore, the patient should not urinate prior to the exam. If the bladder is small and disease is suspected waiting until it fills or filling the bladder with isotonic saline is recommended.

Radiology is a technology driven and technology is rapidly changing. Knowing what is coming soon can alter the diagnostic options we offer clients but keeping up on all the technology can be a full time job. In veterinary radiology we are currently in a digital radiography hotbed.

I'm not telling you something you don't already know when I write that radiographs are not the end all for diagnostic imaging. X-rays were discovered in 1895 and as with any old technology it is typically the least informative. Newer imaging technologies will always provide more information.

GI issues are a common occurrence in the ER and assessment of these cases typically involves imaging, radiographs and/or ultrasound. While obtaining abdominal radiographs is a common and somewhat uncomplicated occurrence, interpretation of abdominal radiographs is anything but.

Abdominal, non-GI issues are frequent in the ER and assessment of these cases typically involves imaging, radiographs and/or ultrasound. While obtaining abdominal radiographs is a common and somewhat uncomplicated occurrence, interpretation of abdominal radiographs is anything but.

In cats over 12 years of age there are some typical findings that have little to no clinical significance. The following is a partial list outlining the most common.

Clipping the hair and applying alcohol and ultrasound gel is important for maximizing image quality. Ultrasound of the entire abdomen is recommended to evaluate for lymphadenopathy, effusions and vascular abnormalities.

The patient should be fasted prior to ultrasonography if possible to decrease the amount of gas and ingesta. A high frequency transducer is important (> 7.5 MHz) to maximize resolution and evaluate wall layering.

Thoracic radiographs should be performed prior to thoracic ultrasound. Air is a barrier to ultrasound imaging; therefore, assessment must be made on radiographs to determine if a lesion will be visible.

Over the last few years digital radiography has become "the purchase" for veterinary clinics and hospitals. While the impetus for the purchase may at first be to keep up with the Jones', those who have made the switch quickly realize the benefits of "going digital".

Over the last few years digital radiography has become "the purchase" for veterinary clinics and hospitals. While the impetus for the purchase may at first be to keep up with the Jones', those who have made the switch quickly realize the benefits of "going digital".

In this online on-demand tutorial, learn about six commonly misdiagnosed radiographs with tips and best practices for avoiding misdiagnoses.

The role thoracic radiography should play in determining the severity of lung disease in dogs.

Tips for performing an ultrasonographic examination on cats with chronic renal disease.

Assessing organ parenchymal perfusion is a new area under investigation in our profession.

When is liver biopsy necessary?

How to find foxtails radiographically.

We often have patients present to us for coughing. Our job is to determine if it is heart disease or pulmonary disease.