Cardiac radiography

Question 1

What are the normal dimensions of the heart

Answer 1

Lateral: 3.5 rib spaces max
DV: 2/3 width of thorax at rib 6 max

Question 2

What does this radiograph show

Answer 2

Generalised enlargement
Trachea easy to see & parallel to sternum
Dog has pericardial effusion (fluid in pericardium)

Question 3

What does this radiograph show

Answer 3

Left sided enlargement (heart too tall)
Triangles show that vessels running to cranial lung field are too big

Question 4

What does this radiograph show

Answer 4

Left sided enlargement

Question 5

What does this radiograph show

Answer 5

Right sided enlargement (too wide)
arrows show increased contact with sternum

Question 6

What does this radiograph show

Answer 6

Right sided enlargement (too wide & increased sternal contact)

Question 7

What is angiography used for

Answer 7

Allows identification of specific vessels or chambers
Often used in valve disease & congenital defects
Allows definitive diagnosis
Serial pictures show contrast journey