Imaging the renal system Flashcards
How do you prep an animal for renal imaging?
Starve 24h, GA or sedate
What is the centring for a lateral renal radiograph?
Caudal edge of last rib to 1/2 way up from the ventral body wall
What is the collimation for a lateral renal radiograph?
Greater trochanter to ventral body wall
Where do you centre the beam for a ventrodorsal renal radiograph?
Caudal edge of last riband midline
For renal radiographs are we using fast or slow plates?
Fast plate with grid for >10cm
How large should normal canine kidneys be?
2.5-3.5 times the length of L2
How large should normal feline kidneys be?
2-3x L2
Is it normal for the feline kidney to be separated from the liver by fat?
yes
What are positive and negative contrast agents?
Positive: High atomic number eg. iodine and barium and shows up as radiopaque
Negative: eg gasses and show up as radiolucent
When can you not use positive contrast media?
dehydrated or animals in severe renal failure
What are the two ways we can administer positive contrast media?
High conc/low vol: inject bolus into a peripheral vein
Low conc/high vol: IV drip contrast
What is a retrograde vaginourethrogram/cystogram?
Pushing contrast media backwards into the bladder
What are the pros and cons of the main three contrast methods?
Using air (pneumocystogram) is cheap and useful for course detail but poor for small details eg tears.
Positive contrast: Expensive but good detail
Double contrast: Good mucosal detail and contrast puddle is very useful
When ultrasounding the kidney the renal cortex is ……………….. when compared to the echogenicity of the liver
Hypoechoic
When ultrasounding the kidney the renal medulla is ……………….. when compared to the echogenicity of the cortex
Hyperechoic
