Abdomen basic principles (rads)

Question 1

What is needed to get contrast on abdominal rads?

Answer 1

FAT

Question 2

What contrast technique should be used when taking abd films?

Answer 2

High contrast

High mAs, Low kVp

**remember adequate collimation

Question 3

When should you use a grid?

Answer 3

If the patient you’re shooting is wider than 10cm

Question 4

What are the boundaries that should be included in a complete abdominal view?

Answer 4

Cranial - edge of the diaphragm

Caudal - greater trochanter of the femurs

Margin of the patient

Question 5

For a abdominal VD view - what is the best position to hold the patients limbs? Why?

Answer 5

Pelvic limb flexion or frog legged is better - this will relax the abdominal wall which is better for viewing the contents

and eliminate seeing the tensed abdominal wall that occurs from stretching the hind limbs tight

Question 6

Should patients be fasted or have enemas prior to abd radiographs to increase the quality of the picture?

Answer 6

No

It is important to look at the native state of the animal

Question 7

How many views should ideally be taken in a abdominal study?

Answer 7

Left and right lateral plus a VD

Question 8

Why are a left and right lateral abdominal view recommended for a complete study of the abdomen?

Answer 8

This will change the position gas and air in the stomach - allowing for a better visualization of the entire stomach and pylorus

Question 9

What view or technique can be used to see if there is free gas in the abdomen?

Answer 9

Laying the patient in lateral recumbency and taking a horizontal radiograph - the air will rise and be located on the side that is up

Question 10

What is the purpose of compression radiograpy?

Answer 10

Use to displace structures to improve visibility of the desired structures or areas

Can use something like a wooden spoon

Question 11

How should a dog be positioned if you are looking for urethral calculi?

Answer 11

In a lateral recumbency - the pelvic limbs should be pulled cranially - want to include the entire rear end in the shot

Question 12

Which species typically will have better detail in their abd views and why? Dog or cat

Answer 12

Cat - they have more abdominal fat

Question 13

What differences may be noted in the cat abd rad when compared to the dog?

Answer 13

Pancreas extends to the left
smaller spleen
fat in stomach wall - can make a radiolucent band in the stomach wall on rad
position of the pylorus
size of the cecum - tiny

Question 14

T/F: The feline spleen is seen well on a lateral abd rad

Answer 14

FALSE

typically not seen in a lateral view

Question 15

Where is the pylorus located in the cat in comparison to the dog?

Answer 15

more medial

Question 16

What is the best way to evaluate rads?

Answer 16

Using a checklist is best