upper GI imaging

Question 1

in a DV and VD rad, how should you orient the image on the screen

Answer 1

look at the image as if you are face to face with the dog, the right should be on your left

Question 2

indications for radiographing the esophagus

Answer 2

• difficulty swallowing
• regurgitation/megesophagus
• potential FB
• persistent bad breath

Question 3

What contrast media can be used to view the oesophagus in action via radiography?

Answer 3

• barium suphate paste
• liquid barium sulphate suspension
• oral aqueous iodine solutions

Question 4

list the organs in contact with the stomach of the dog

Answer 4

Liver: Positioned cranially, the liver is in close contact with the stomach.
Spleen: Located on the left side of the abdomen, the spleen lies adjacent to the greater curvature of the stomach.
Pancreas: Situated near the stomach, particularly the pyloric region.
Small Intestine: The duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine, connects to the pylorus of the stomach.
Diaphragm: The diaphragm is cranial to the stomach, separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
Colon: The transverse colon runs across the abdomen and is positioned near the stomach.
Kidneys: The left kidney is in closer proximity to the stomach compared to the right kidney.

Question 5

in a DV rad, where would gas be located in the stomach and where would you expect to see fluid

Answer 5

gas: fundus
fluid: body/pylorus

Question 6

in a VD rad where do you expect to see gas and fluid in the stomach

Answer 6

gas: body (possibly pylorus)
fluid: fundus

Question 7

in a left lat rad where do you expect to see gas and fluid in the stomach

Answer 7

gas: pylorus (possibly body)
fluid: fundus

Question 8

in a right lat rad where do you expect to see gas and fluid in the stomach

Answer 8

gas: fundus
fluid: pylorus

Question 9

how does GDV occur

Answer 9

Stomach enlarges/dilates due to food or gas
Stomach begins to rotate (pylorus travels ventrally)
Stomach twists
No gas or liquid can escape -> rupture

Question 10

When does GDV often occur and in what breeds?

Answer 10

When a pet has eaten and then exercised afterwards
Common in big chested breeds - dobermans, labradors, mastiffs, daschund

Question 11

How can GDV be treated?

Answer 11

Release gas via stomach tube
Surgically attach stomach to base of abdomen to prevent reoccurence

Question 12

What other structures are affected in GDV?

Answer 12

• spleen is attached to greater curvature of stomach - spleen can rotate -> congestion and splenomegaly
• vena cava and portal vein can become compressed -> decreased venous return to heart
• dilated stomach presses on diaphragm which reduced thoracic space -> decreased tidal volume and shortness of breath