Abdominal Radiographs

Question 1

If you are doing a radiograph of an abdomen, should you use a high or low contrast?

Answer 1

High contrast

Low kVp and high mAs

Question 2

A grid should be used if the animal is greater than ____________ to reduce scatter

Answer 2

10cm

Question 3

What are the boundaries of a good abdominal radiograph?

Answer 3

Cranial: edge of diaphragm
Caudal: greater trochanter of femur

Margins of patient

Question 4

What radiograph view should you take if you suspect a obstruction?

Answer 4

Left lateral

->important because gas goes into pylorus, acting as contrast medium

If you only do a right lateral, the obstruction may blend in with the fluid

Question 5

What are differences between cats and dogs for abdominal radiographs?

Answer 5

More abdominal fat in cats 
Pancreas extends to left 
Spleen smaller (not usually seen in lateral view) 
Fat in stomach wall of cat 
Pylorus more medial in cat 
Cecum is less developed in cat