Veterinary Specialized Diagnostic Imaging Techniques

Ultrasonography

A technique that uses sound waves to create images of structures inside the body.

Echogenicity

Describes how tissues appear on ultrasound based on how they reflect sound waves.

Anechoic

Describes an area that produces no echoes and appears very dark or black on an ultrasound.

Hyperechoic

Describes tissues that reflect sound waves more intensely, appearing brighter than surrounding tissues.

Isoechoic

Describes tissues with similar echogenicity, making them difficult to differentiate on ultrasound.

Hypoechoic

Describes tissues that reflect sound waves less intensely, appearing darker than surrounding tissues.

Transducers

Devices that send and receive sound waves in ultrasonography.

B-Mode

A mode of ultrasound imaging that creates two-dimensional images of tissues.

M-Mode

A mode of ultrasound that provides a time-based view of moving structures.

Doppler

A method used in ultrasound to evaluate blood flow by observing changes in frequency of sound waves.

Real-time imaging

Allows viewing of images as events are happening, providing immediate feedback.

Patient Preparation for Ultrasound

Includes fasting, clipping fur, and using alcohol and gel for optimal contact with the probe.

Limitations of Ultrasonography

Includes inability of sound waves to travel through bone or air and potential artifacts that can affect images.

Liver in Ultrasound Anatomy

Located in the cranial abdomen and composed of five lobes.

Gall Bladder in Ultrasound Anatomy

Located between the right medial and quadrate lobes of the liver, appears as an anechoic structure.

Kidneys in Ultrasound Anatomy

Located in the retroperitoneal space, with the right kidney being more cranial than the left.

Spleen in Ultrasound Anatomy

Divided into head, body, and tail, mostly located in the left abdomen.

Urinary Bladder in Ultrasound Anatomy

Located in the caudoventral abdomen, containing anechoic urine.

Fluoroscopy

An imaging technique that produces continuous, moving images on a monitor using x-rays.

C-arm

A mobile fluoroscopy unit used for real-time imaging.

Advantages of Fluoroscopy

Provides real-time images useful for interventional procedures.

Computerized Tomography (CT)

An imaging technique that uses x-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.

Tomography

A technique for showing details in one specific plane while blurring others.

Cross-sections

Images viewed as slices through the body, revealing internal structures.

Detectors in CT

Devices that collect x-ray data after it passes through the patient.

Advantages of CT

Good for visualizing soft tissues and bones noninvasively.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Uses non-ionizing electromagnetic fields to produce detailed images of soft tissues.

Nuclear Medicine

Involves administering radioisotopes to localize pathology in the body.

Gamma scintillation camera

An essential device in nuclear medicine for detecting emitted radiation.

Barium Study

An upper gastrointestinal study that uses contrast medium for visualization.

Preparation for Barium Study

Patient must be fasted; initial abdominal radiographs are taken as a baseline.

Contrast Administration in Barium Study

Barium is administered at a specific volume per body weight.

Radiograph Acquisition after Contrast

Radiographs are taken at timed intervals post-administration to track the passage of barium.

Radiation safety in Nuclear Medicine

Patients become sources of radiation excreted in urine and feces.

Limitations of Nuclear Medicine

Requires specialized equipment and safety measures due to radiation emission.

Artifacts in Ultrasound

Interferences that can compromise image quality during ultrasound examinations.

Electromagnetic Field in MRI

Utilized in MRI to view soft tissues non-invasively.