Radiology of the thorax and abdomen

Question 1

Equipment needed

Answer 1

• High output x-ray unit
• Leave an air gap between the patient and the cassette
• Short exposure time
• Full inspiration
• Large size cassettes/digital imaging plates (35cmx43 cm)

Question 2

Placement of cassettes

Answer 2

LL views
Fields:
Dorsocaudal 
Ventrocaudal
Dorsocranial
Ventrocranial

Question 3

positioning

Answer 3

• Right and left side lateral projections
• FFD: 100-120 cm
• Neonates/miniaturehorses: lateral recumbency; right and left lateral-lateral and VD if possible.

Question 4

Normal anatomy gets influenced by

Answer 4

• age
• size
• body condition
• Width of the thorax
• phase of respiration
• exposure factors
• digital imaging system and processing

Question 5

what happens when there is scattered radiation?

Answer 5

contrast and resolution decresase

Question 6

patterns of lung disease - vascular

Answer 6

• Vessels within the interstitium
• Changes in size and shape of pulmonary arteries and veins
• Close relationship of the vasculature to the interstitium -> can be diff. identify changes
• Congenital/acquired cardiac disease
• Inflammatory lung disease

Question 7

using abdomnial radiography on small horses/foals

Answer 7

high output portable units

1-2 LL and VD in recumbency/standing

Question 8

using abdomnial radiography on normalsize/adult horses

Answer 8

large stationary equipment

lateral-lateral images standing

• cranioventral
• mid-ventral
• mid-dorsal
• dorsocaudal

Question 9

why take a abdomnial radiography of foal?

Answer 9

indication: acute abdomnial discomfort
mixture of gas fluid and ingesta - bowel loops

small intestines loops: if the diameter is greater than the length og the L1 distension is considered

Question 10

contrast studies in foals

Answer 10

• Fasting not more than 4 hrs
• 5 ml barium sulphate (30%)/bwkg, NGT
• Radiographs: 30 min, than hourly intervals
• Normal tranzit time: approx. 8 hrs.
• Stomach: double-contrast /(BaSO4+ air)
• Radiographs: immediatelly, 30 min, 1 hrs, 2 hrs
• Left side LL in standing; R and L LL and VD in recumbency
• The contrast in the cecum: 4-5 hrs
• Atresia ani/coli

Question 11

diseases of the GI tracts

Answer 11

SI obstruction
LI obstruction
atresia cli
rupture of hollow viscus
enterolithiasis
sand impaction

Question 12

pneumocystography

Answer 12

• Under mild sedation
• Standing position/Dorsal recumbency
• 7 mm diameter UC
• Any urine withdrawn  air into bladder
• 5 liters in an adult Thoroughbred
• Diagnostic criteria: air is escaping into the abdominal cavity

Question 13

positive contrast cystography

Answer 13

• Caudal aspect of the abdomen
• Asses the size and position of the bladder
• Flexible catheter, urine evaluation!
• 2-5 ml anesthetic solution first
• 12 ml/bwkg contrast material
• LL and VD’s are recommended