Veterinary Radiology

Michael LavoieVeterinary Assistant ProgramMiddlesex Community College6/11/12

You will learn….

The basic concepts of Veterinary Radiology

How the technology of radiology has advanced

The benefits animals gain from the advancements of radiology

Why safety is important while being involved with radiology

The different careers involved within Veterinary Radiology

The Basics

Radiology is used to see injuries, fetuses, diseases, abnormalities, and damages done to internal body parts and organs.

For the most part, radiology provides a quick diagnosis in most emergency situations.

Radiology is used everyday with clinics.

Has advantages and disadvantages.

The Basics

Radiology is very beneficial.

Without radiology, surgery would have to be fulfilled to diagnose problems within the body of an animal.

Radiology also helps to expand the information obtained from clinical examinations of animals.

The Advancements of Veterinary Radiology

TechnologiesAdvantagesDisadvantages

Technologies

Digital Radiology

Higher dynamic range than film Provides more information at high and

low exposures

Digital vs. computed vs. Direct Capture radiology

Computed radiology Uses a cassette with an imaging plate

Digital radiologyUses an linear array of radiation

detectors• Similar to computed radiology

Direct captureUses a solid state radiation device.

Computed Radiology

A cassette is usedContains a photostimulable phosphor

imaging plate• Looks like an intensifying plate• When struck with x-rays, a new semi-

stable state is produced. • The latent image is stored on the plate

Imaging plate

Made up of multiple layers A polyester support layer A phosphor layer A clear protective layer Conductive layer Support layer Backing layer Bar code layer on the back

• Contains a number assigned to the image plate.

Imaging plate

Very flexible Can maintain a latent image for about

24 hoursCan be exposed to lightSome image degregation may occur

with extended storage time and light exposure

Terminology

Rotation/inversion The ability to change the image presentation,

or turn the image from a negative to a positive

Anatomic measurements The ability to measure certain areas of

interest Short-term database functions

Allows user to locate images, create lists if images, image interpretation, and maintain teaching files

The Veterinary Direct Radiology System (Vet DRS)

Developed within the past ten years. The Vet DRS was created to preserve

space and provide a quick diagnosis. This system is noted for its ability to

store many radiographs as well as produce accurate radiographic images that provide for an accurate diagnosis.

Designed in both a small and large arrangement.

The Veterinary Direct Radiology System (Vet DRS)

Smaller arrangements are portable and were made for the use of field vets.

It was made for the vet to take shots of things such as a horses leg during the time of emergency for a quick diagnosis without being exposed to the radiation beams.

Images appear instantly appear onto the screen of a laptop carried by the vet to provide an on the spot diagnosis.

The Veterinary Direct Radiology System (Vet DRS)

Larger arrangements are not portable. They remain within a radiology suite

inside a veterinary clinic The Images instantly appear onto a

monitor to be reviewed by the medical staff

All arrangements are digital.

Digital Radiology

Does not use cassettesA radiation detector array is usedThese detectors are gas filledThe more detectors, the better the

spacial recognition

Digital Fluoroscopy

A computer and monitor are neededThe monitor is used to enter and edit

patient data and to display the image.Image is displayed immediately and

can be modified and changed almost immediately as well.

PACS

Picture Archive and Communication SystemAllows for the digitalization of

conventional radiographsAllows for acquisition, interpretation,

and storage of images.

Three components of PACS

Display system Network Storage system

Protocols created for use on horses One certain

advancements allow vets the ability to produce accurate images of a horse’s legs.

“Magnetic Resonance Imaging” (MRI)

An MRI can now be taken on a horses leg.

Before this was developed surgery would have been the only way to determine the damage of a horse’s leg.

Protocols created for use on horses

Bone diseases or abnormalities, ligaments, tendons, and joints can be examined by this technology.

Color can be added and images can be made 3-D using this system.

Allows a realistic image of the inside of a horse’s leg.

Computers

Computers now contribute to the field of Veterinary Radiology.

Most radiographs are now stored within computers to Also they provide clearer preserve space.

images and certain programs to make radiographs seem more realistic and easier to understand.

Advantages of the Advancements

The advancements provide quicker and more reliable images and diagnosis.

They also allow the creation of more effective treatment plans.

Disadvantages

The only disadvantage of some advancements is that some radiographs may be misinterpreted or taken wrong.

This results in the taking of more radiographs which causes a prolonged diagnosis.

The Safety Aspects of Radiology

The Dangers and effects

Scatter radiation can cause cellular damage which is basically the destruction of the cells within the body and may result in cancer or another hazardous illness

Regulations

Individuals under the age of 18 may not be involved in any type of radiological activity because they have not fully developed; therefore, they are efficiently harmed by radiation exposure.

Pregnant women should also not be involved within radiological activities because their developing fetus will be easily harmed by the least amount of radiation expossure.

The Order of Operations

Created to aid in the protection of both humans and animals against the hazardous “scatter radiation”.

The Order of Operations consist of the following: an adequate technique chart or comparable system, positioning aids, protective clothing and other protective barriers, personnel dosimetry devices, emergency procedures for malfunctioning x-ray equipment, and quality control measurements and tests.

Animal Safety

Not as vital as it may be for humans However, reproductive organs must be

protected to prevent any type of damage.

Fetuses within a pregnant female may become harmed if the correct safety procedures are not followed.

Lead shields are also available for animals.

Reading Rads (Terms)

Radiolucent: almost entirely transparent

Radio-opaque: not transparent to x-rays

In order from radiolucent to radio-opaque: air, fat, water, bone, metal

“scatter radiation”: appears cloudy on radiographs—scatters throughout the radiology suite—causes more exposure to individuals involved

Case Study 1

Signalment 3 year-old female spayed domestic short-haired cat

History anorexia, coughing, depression for 2 days

Physical Exam Pink mucous membranes

Crackles ausculted cranioventrally on right side

Respiratory rate was 80 breaths per minute

Is the size/shape of the heart normal?

Yes Normal Size and

shape of a heart

How do the lungs look?

This radiograph shows an abnormal lung pattern.

Does the diaphragm shape and position look normal?

No:

Flattened diaphragm outline.Increased distance between heart and diaphragm.

Bronchial Pulmonary Pattern

Characteristics:Increased radiopacity.Opacities centered around bronchi ("donuts")Diffuse, non-homogenous.Pulmonary vessel margins indistinct.Prominent longitudinal peribronchialopacities.

These findings are characteristic ofa bronchial pulmonary pattern.

Case Study 2

Signalment 13 year-old female spayed mixed breed dog.

History Dog presented with a two week history of

anorexia, lethargy and polyarthritis. Physical Exam

The carpi and tarsi were warm and swollen.

What are some changes you have noted? There are multiple abnormalities present

involving the carpal region: Scalloped-type periosteal proliferation

involving primarily abaxial and dorsal aspects of the second and fifth metacarpal.Similiar periosteal proliferativechanges of radius and ulna.Soft tissue swelling.No joint involvement.Multiple bones involved.No lysis of the cortical cavity.

What radiographs would you take?

Chest? Abdominal? Opposite carpus? Tarsi?

CHEST!

Chest radiographs

Chest masses

What is the diagnoses?

Pulmonary mass: Characteristic of a nodularinterstitial pulmonary pattern.

These masses represent eithera primary pulmonary neoplasia ora metastatic pulmonary disease.

Case Study 3

Signalment2 year-old female domestic shorthair.

HistoryCat vomiting for 3 days.

Physical ExamNothing abnormal was noted on

abdominal palpation

Abdominal Radiographs

Are the kidneys normal size?

Yes! They are normal size and shape!

What is this?

There is mild gas and fluid distensionof the descending intestine.

What is this?

Diagnoses?

The small intestinesare "bunched" into the mid-abdomenon the survey radiographs.This is commonly found in obese catsand must be distinguishedfrom abnormal "bunching" thatoccurs with linear foreign bodies.In the case of linear foreign bodies,there usually will be an abnormalcurvature of the involved loops("hairpin" turns) and someexcess gas within the lumen.

What’s the next step?

A BARIUM SERIES!A barium series is when animals or

humans are given a radio-opague material and radiographs are done in time increments to

Barium Series

What was it?

Veterinary Careers

Veterinary Careers

As the technologies within the veterinary field advance, different career options become available.

Some career options include: Veterinarians, Veterinarian Technicians, and other specialists.

Radiology Specialists include things such as: ultrasound specialists, CT or MRI specialists, nuclear medicine specialists, & radiation oncology specialists

Schooling and Training

Training and schooling depends on the choice of career.

In some cases, simple on the job training for about a month is all that is required to take useful radiographs.

Some careers require many years and a degree.

Specialist careers require organized more advanced training and schooling by specific colleges within veterinary medicine.

Schooling and Training

All individuals must have previous experience in Veterinary Radiology before going into specific programs.

Specialists may gain a certification license after attending a special 3 year program and completing a series of tests given by the American College of Veterinary Radiology.