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.
Our newest expert Dr. Tasha Axam delivers her thoughts on esophageal imaging.
Osteochondritis dissecans (osteochondrosis dissecans, OC, OCD) is the most common of the developmental orthopedic diseases and is caused by a sub-condral ossification defect that results in increased thickness of soft articular cartilage, thus decreased nutrient and oxygen availability (from articular fluid) and secondary mechanical failure resulting in a concave bony defect and cartilage flap formation.
Interventional radiology involves the use of imaging modalities such as fluoroscopy or ultrasonography to gain access to different structures in order to deliver materials for therapeutic purposes. The use of interventional techniques in veterinary patients offers a number of advantages compared to more traditional therapies.
A medical contrast medium (or contrast agent) is a substance used to enhance the contrast of structures or fluids within the body in medical imaging.
Initially it is important to be able to identify radiographic signs of cardiac chamber enlargement. The left atrium on the lateral view when enlarged causes a change in shape of the dorsocadual aspect of the cardiac silhouette.
Sonographic evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract is a routine part of the diagnostic investigation of gastrointestinal disorders. Improved visualization of the GI tract has been achieved due to technologic advances in both ultrasound machines and with the development of higher frequency transducers.
Anatomy (from the?Greek??v???????anatomia, from??v????v????ana: separate, apart from, and temnein, to cut up, cut open) is a branch of?biology?and?medicine?that is the consideration of the?structure of living things. It is a general term that includeshuman anatomy, animal anatomy (zootomy) and?plant anatomy?(phytotomy).
If the radiographic image is of diagnostic quality, you are able to perceive objects/structures because of their atomic composition and the state of the matter in those objects/structures.The terms used to compare objects of different darkness or whiteness are radiolucent (dark, less opaque) and radiopaque (white, more opaque).
Cases will be presented in a "what is your diagnosis" format. The audience will be asked to participate in the presentation so that it will be a discussion rather than a monolog.
Radiology is like standing on the outside of the building; it allows you to see the size, shape and contour of the building; ultrasound allows you to look into each room in the building i.e. the liver room, the gallbladder room, the pancreas room, the kidney room, the urinary bladder room etc.Indications for radiographic examination
The respiratory system extends from the tip of the nose to the diaphragm.
