Radiographic case studies

Question 1

3 causes of poor quality radiograph

Answer 1

• poor position
• incorrect exposure
• faults

Question 2

How many radiographs do you need to take?

Answer 2

• minimum 2 projections
• contralateral limb may be useful
• repeat after a period of time (since many radiographic abnormalities are non-specific)

Question 3

Why might you report a normal appearance as abnormal? 2

Answer 3

• film fault

- unfamiliar with anatomical variations

Question 4

What are radiographic signs of chronic nephritis?

Answer 4

• reduced size
• abnormal shape
• increased opacity

Question 5

What are 4 radiographic signs of disc prolapse?

Answer 5

• narrowed IVD space
• calcified material superimposed on vertebral canal
• small and/or opaque intervertebral foramen
• gas in intervertebral space (‘vacuum phenomenon’)

Question 6

T/F: whether a radiograph is taken VD or VD, the right limb always appears on the LHS of the image as your look at it

Answer 6

True - this is a convention adapted from human medicine

Question 7

Would you expect to see abdominal structures on a radiograph of a young animal?

Answer 7

No - you often don’t see abdominal structures clearly as they lack the abdominal fat needed for contrast. Thus you wouldn’t expect to see the bladder in any young animal.

Question 8

What are the 4 possible locations for a thoracic lesion?

Answer 8

• lung
• mediastinum (remember this is a little to the LHS)
• pleura
• thoracic walls (includes spine, ribs etc)

Question 9

If there was a mass in the mediastinum where would it push the heart?

Answer 9

push the heart caudally, v unlikely to push it left or right.