Diagnostic Imaging Exam 2 Module 6

What are the objectives of soft tissue radiography in small animals?

Proper radiography positioning techniques for thoracic and abdominal radiographs

How do you achieve long scale of contrast in soft tissue radiography?

Use higher kVp and short exposure times to minimize motion of heart and lungs

When should a grid be used?

For dense tissues (>10 cm) to maintain clarity and detail

What respiratory phase is best for thoracic vs abdominal radiographs?

Thorax = full inspiration; Abdomen = full expiration

What are the standard thoracic projections?

Lateral (full inspiration), both Laterals (R + L_ for metastasis, DV for heart evaluation, VD for lungs

What is the rule of thumb for thorax FOV?

If all ribs are included, you have captured the entire thorax

How should exposure be timed relative to breathing?

Just before peak sinpiration to fully inflate lung fields

When are right and left VD oblique views used?

To look for masses

When are horizontal beam views used?

In recumbent lateral position to evaluate air or fluid in the pleural cavity

When are expiratory radiographs used?

To evaluate tracheal collapse or pneumothorax

Standard lateral thorax positioning?

Right side down, lateral recumbency, front limbs cranially, head slightly extended

What aids help maintain proper lateral thorax positioning?

Foam wedge under sternum, pull front legs forward

Lateral Thoracic View Measurement and beam center?

Caudal border of scapula

lateral thoracic field of view?

entire thoracic cavity including all ribs

VD positioning for thorax?

Dorsal recumbency, forelegs, cranially, sternum superimposed over spine

Respiratory phase?

Full inspiration

Beam center and measurement?

Caudal border of scapula

Cranial and caudal landmarks?

Cranial = manubrium/thorcaic inlet, Caudal = between xiphoid and last rib

Field of view?

Entire thorax (thoracic inlet to diaphragm)

When is VD view contraindicated

IN patients with respiratory distress

Purpose for DV thoracic view?

Preferred for heart evaluation (heart closer to sternum)

DV positioning?

Sternal recumbency, forelegs slightly forward, hind limbs crouched, head between forelegs

Beam center + measurement?

Caudal border of scapula

Aids to maintain symmetry?

Sandbags next to each hip, palpate spines processes to ensure straight alignment

Standard abdominal projections?

Right lateral and VD

Respiratory phase for abdominal radiographs?

Full expiration (diaphragm displaced cranially to avoid compressing abdominal contents)

Patient preparation?

Fast 12-24 hours, cleansing enema 1 hour prior

Lateral abdominal positioning?

Right lateral recumbency, hind limbs extended caudally

Why extend hind limbs caudally?

To prevent caudal musculature from superimposing abdominal structures

Beam center + measurement?

Caudal aspect of 13th rib

Field of view?

Diaphragm to femoral heads, xiphoid to base of tail