Transcript Veterinary Radiology - Mr. Lavoie`s Science Webpage

Veterinary Radiology
Michael Lavoie
Veterinary Assistant Program
Middlesex Community College
6/11/12
You will learn….
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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
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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
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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
Technologies
Advantages
Disadvantages
Technologies
Digital Radiology
Higher dynamic range than film
 Provides more information at high and
low exposures
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Digital vs. computed vs.
Direct Capture radiology
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Computed radiology
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Uses a cassette with an imaging plate
Digital radiology
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Uses an linear array of radiation
detectors
• Similar to computed radiology
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Direct capture
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Uses a solid state radiation device.
Computed Radiology
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A cassette is used
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Contains a photostimulable phosphor
imaging plate
• Looks like an intensifying plate
• When struck with x-rays, a new semistable state is produced.
• The latent image is stored on the plate
Imaging plate
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Made up of multiple layers
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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 hours
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Can be exposed to light
 Some image degregation may occur
with extended storage time and light
exposure
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Terminology
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Rotation/inversion
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Anatomic measurements
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The ability to change the image
presentation, or turn the image from a
negative to a positive
The ability to measure certain areas of
interest
Short-term database functions
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Allows user to locate images, create lists if
images, image interpretation, and maintain
teaching files
The Veterinary Direct
Radiology System (Vet DRS)
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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)
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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)
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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
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Does not use cassettes
A radiation detector array is used
 These detectors are gas filled
 The more detectors, the better the
spacial recognition
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Digital Fluoroscopy
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A computer and monitor are needed
The 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.
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PACS
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Picture Archive and Communication
System
Allows for the digitalization of
conventional radiographs
 Allows for acquisition, interpretation,
and storage of images.
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Three components of PACS
Display system
 Network
 Storage system
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Protocols created for use on
horses
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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
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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
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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
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The advancements provide quicker and
more reliable images and diagnosis.
They also allow the creation of more
effective treatment plans.
Disadvantages
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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
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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
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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
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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 xray equipment, and quality control
measurements and tests.
Animal Safety
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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)
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Radiolucent: almost
entirely transparent
Radio-opaque: not
transparent to x-rays
In order from
radiolucent to radioopaque: 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
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Signalment
 3 year-old female spayed domestic short-haired cat
History
 anorexia, coughing, depression for 2 days
Physical Exam
 Pink mucous membranes
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Crackles ausculted cranioventrally on right side
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Respiratory rate was 80 breaths per minute
Is the size/shape of the
heart normal?
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Yes
Normal Size and
shape of a heart
How do the lungs look?
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This radiograph
shows an abnormal
lung pattern.
Does the diaphragm shape
and position look normal?
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No:
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Flattened
diaphragm outline.
Increased distance
between heart and
diaphragm.
Bronchial Pulmonary Pattern
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Characteristics:
Increased radiopacity.
Opacities centered
around bronchi ("donuts")
Diffuse, nonhomogenous.
Pulmonary vessel
margins indistinct.
Prominent longitudinal
peribronchial
opacities.
These findings are
characteristic of
a bronchial pulmonary
pattern.
Case Study 2
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Signalment
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History
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13 year-old female spayed mixed breed dog.
Dog presented with a two week history of
anorexia, lethargy and polyarthritis.
Physical Exam
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The carpi and tarsi were warm and swollen.
What are some changes you
have noted?
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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 proliferative
changes 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?
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CHEST!
Chest radiographs
Chest masses
What is the diagnoses?
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Pulmonary mass:
Characteristic of a nodular
interstitial pulmonary pattern.
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These masses represent either
a primary pulmonary neoplasia or
a metastatic pulmonary disease.
Case Study 3
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Signalment
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History
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2 year-old female domestic shorthair.
Cat vomiting for 3 days.
Physical Exam
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Nothing abnormal was noted on
abdominal palpation
Abdominal Radiographs
Are the kidneys normal
size?
Yes! They are normal size and shape!
What is this?
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There is mild gas
and fluid distension
of the descending
intestine.
What is this?
Diagnoses?
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The small intestines
are "bunched" into the mid-abdomen
on the survey radiographs.
This is commonly found in obese cats
and must be distinguished
from abnormal "bunching" that
occurs with linear foreign bodies.
In the case of linear foreign bodies,
there usually will be an abnormal
curvature of the involved loops
("hairpin" turns) and some
excess gas within the lumen.
What’s the next step?
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A BARIUM SERIES!
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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
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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
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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
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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.