LEC 10 - Thorax Flashcards
What can be normal variations in thorax radiographs, that can look like issues? (three)
Breed + Age + Body conformation
What is the gold standard for looking at chest?
CT
What is the down side to doing a CT that would make xrays a better option?
Don’t need anesthesia
In what two places is the mediastinum reflected?
Caudal vena cava
– and –
Trachea
What variations can be seen when a thoracic xray is taken on expiration?
Increased lung opacity
– and –
Increased heart size
What are four reason an animal might have decreased insipiration?
Pleural effusion
Anesthesia
Body confirmation
Painful
What appearance does a hypoinflated lung look like?
Due to increased thickness will have an increased opacity
Why is it good to take laterals on both the left and right side?
Better evaluation of the middle lung lobe region
What part of the chest is the widest?
Dorsal
What does it mean when a section of the chest is not “egg shaped”?
Increased expansion of the chest
What are typical things seen when pneumothorax is present?
Retraction of the lungs
Clear border at dorsal, caudal lung lobe and diaphragm
Where does air tend to go?
The widest part of the chest
What view is the worst to see pneumothorax?
V/D
What should be done instead of a VD xray in a dog that has pneumothorax?
DV
What view should be done on a dog with pleural effusion?
VD
What is pleural effusion?
The same as pneumothorax except not a fluid is present instead of air
Where does fluid tend to go when in the thorax?
With gravity, goes down
What do you need to be careful doing with a patient with pleural effusion when taking xrays?
if taking VD fluid will collect around heart, impeding blood flow. Cloud be very dangerous for patient
How can you tell if a megaesophagus is transient or not?
When taking another view esophagus will look normal
What dogs tend to get laryngeal paralysis?
Labs + Goldens + Rotties + Yorkies
What are dogs with laryngeal paralysis at risk for?
Heat stroke
Hard time panting so can’t cool off
What happens with laryngeal paralysis?
Adduction of folds, not opening back up
Causes an obstruction
What are the four parts to the upper airway?
Pharyngeal
Laryngeal
Tracheal
Brochial
What dogs tend to get a collapsed larynx? What should be done to prevent it?
Brachycephalic dogs
Fix stenotic nares ASAP
What occurs with a collapsed larynx?
With expiration sacules are open
With inspiration saccules block airway
Is laryngeal collapse dynamic or static?
Dynamic
What are signs on an x-ray that a dog is working hard to breath?
Abdomen is sucked in
Ventral chest is pushed out
When is it good to do a lateral neck?
When chest xray is taken and nothing is seen that could be causing the problem
To see: Larynx + Pharynx + Cervical trachea
What is the 5 view thorax?
V/D chest RT lateral LT lateral Neck lateral Expiration
Why should you take an expiratory and inspiratory xray?
to see any dynamic disease that might be occurring
What is the difference between tracheal collapse and large airway collapse?
Large airway collapse involves the trachea and principal bronchi as well
What changes occur naturally in the chest with older patients?
Increased lung opacity Mineralized costal cartilages Spondylosis Heart orientation Pleural fibrosis
What changes occur naturally in the chest with fat patients?
Increased lung opacity
Increased heart size
Increased width of mediastinum
Increased pleural space
What is a common variation seen in the chest of dachsunds and greyhounds?
Big Hearts
What is a common variation seen in the chest of collies?
Heterotropic bone
What is a common variation seen in the chest of brachycephalic dogs?
Small trachea
– and –
Large heart
What are two special xray views that can be done on the chest?
Humanoid
– and –
Horizontal beam
Why is a horizontal beam xray good?
Gravity doesn’t effect lateral view
What condition can be seen readily with a horizontal beam xray?
Pneumothorax
– and –
Scapular lesions
What is a humanoid xray?
Front legs are pulled down to sides instead of over the head
What are humanoid xray’s good for seeing?
Cranial thorax
Lung
First 2 to 3 ribs
When is a 3-view thorax good?
Basic set for pneumonia, met check, etc.
When is a 5-view thorax good?
Dyspenic + coughing patients
