Veterinary Radiography and Imaging Techniques: Principles, Positions, and Applications

Radiography (x-rays)

Most common & widely used imaging technique.

Best uses of Radiography

Bones (fractures, arthritis), chest (lungs, heart size), abdomen (foreign objects, organ size).

Advantages of Radiography

Quick, relatively inexpensive, uses ionizing radiation.

Ultrasound (sonography)

Uses sound waves (no radiation) for imaging.

Best uses of Ultrasound

Soft tissues (liver, kidneys, bladder), pregnancy checks, fluid detection.

Advantages of Ultrasound

Real-time imaging (you can see movement like heartbeats).

Computed Tomography (CT)

Advanced imaging using multiple X-rays to create cross-sectional images.

Best uses of CT

Complex fractures, tumors, head issues, chest issues, and nasal cavity issues.

Advantages of CT

Faster than MRI, often requires sedation or anesthesia.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Uses magnetic fields (no radiation) for imaging.

Best uses of MRI

Brain and spinal cord, soft tissue injuries, neurological disorders.

Advantages of MRI

More detailed than CT for soft tissue, but slower and more expensive.

Fluoroscopy

'Live X-ray' imaging (like a video).

Uses of Fluoroscopy

Swallowing studies, guiding procedures (catheters, biopsies).

Roles in vet radiology

Vet tech/nurse positions animal and operates equipment; vet interprets images; vet radiologist provides advanced interpretation.

Core positioning principles

Right vs left markers, centering, collimation, immobilization, two views minimum, straight alignment.

Lateral (right or left) position

Animal lies on its side, limbs extended naturally, head aligned with spine.

Uses of Lateral position

Thorax (lungs, heart), abdomen, limbs, and spine.

Ventrodorsal (VD) position

Animal lies on back, limbs extended symmetrically, spine straight.

Uses of Ventrodorsal position

Abdomen, pelvis, sometimes thorax.

Dorsoventral (DV) position

Animal lies on its chest (sternum), limbs in natural position.

Uses of Dorsoventral position

Thorax.

Oblique Views

Animal is slightly rotated.

Uses of Oblique Views

Skull, joints, spine (used to highlight structures that overlap in standard views).

Limb Positioning (general)

Extend limb being imaged, pull opposite limb away to avoid superimposition, include joint above and below the area of interest.