Abdomen intro Flashcards
What do we depend on for contrast in abdominal radiography?
Fat
What is a key modality for abdominal radiography?
Ultrasound (But radiograph first)
What techniques are used for abdominal radiography?
- Short scale contrast: low kVp and high mAs with film
- Grid if >10 cm to reduce scattered radiation
- Expiratory rads
- Adequate collimation
What boundaries should be included for a complete examination of the abdomen?
- Cranial edge of diaphragm
- Caudal grater trochanter of femurs
- Lateral, dorsal and ventral soft tissue boundaries
T/F: Fasting and enemas are always necessary for abdominal radiographs
FALSE–there is no need for fasting or enemas for survey radiographs (who has time? It’s important to look at native state)
T/F: It is important to take both left AND right views
TRUE
What are some examples of special radiographic projections?
- Horizontal-beam radiographs
- Compression radiography
- Urethra “shot”
T/F: Cats have less peritoneal fat than dogs, meaning there is better detail and a falciform ‘mass’.
FALSE–cats have more peritoneal fat than dogs. Everything else is true
Compared to dogs, cats have 5 differences in abdominal rads. What are they?
- Pancreas extends to left
- Spleen smaller (and not usually seen in lateral view of cat)
- Fat in stomach wall (huge fat collection in falciform ligament and inguinal regions)
- Position of pylorus (more medial in cat)
- Size of cecum
T/F: The cat’s cecum is corkscrew-shaped, while the dog’s is almost too small to be seen.
FALSE–the DOG’s cecum is a corkscrew shape while the cat’s barely shows on rads
What are 2 summation shadows that will ‘fake you out?’
Prepuce
Gas in anal sacs
How can you use zones to evaluate an abdominal radiograph?
- Divide the lateral abdomen into 6 zones
- Divide the DV or VD abdomen into left and right hemi-abdomen
- Label zone by standard nomenclature
