2. INTRODUCTION:
Today I'm going to try and talk
about some of the different positions
used in veterinary radiology
procedures , some common
ultrasounds performed and some of
the various ultrasound techniques
used in a veterinary hospital. If you're
curious about how these diagnostic
tools work and what they can reveal,
keep reading, listening, and most
importantly PAY ATTENTION!
3. WHAT IS RADIOLOGY?
Radiology is the use of X-rays to
create images of the internal structures
of the body. It can help diagnose
diseases, injuries, fractures, tumors,
foreign bodies and more. To get a clear
and accurate image, the animal must
be positioned in a certain way
depending on the area of interest.
Some of the common positions used in
veterinary radiology are as follows:
4. LATERAL
RECUMBENT:
The lateral recumbent position is a
commonly used position in veterinary
radiology procedures. In this position,
the animal lies on its side with its
limbs extended. This allows for clear
visualization of the thorax and
abdomen.
During a lateral recumbent
radiograph, the veterinarian will
typically place a cassette or digital
plate against the animal's body and
take an x-ray. This position is
particularly useful for evaluating the
size and shape of organs and
detecting abnormalities such as fluid
accumulation or masses.
5. VENTRODORSAL:
Animal is placed in a position lying on its
back with the ventral (belly) side facing
upward and the dorsal (back) side facing
downward. In this position, the X-ray beam
is directed from above the dog, passing
through the ventral side of the body, and
the X-ray film or digital receptor is placed
beneath the dog.
When performing VD radiographs of the
pelvis or other areas, the dog's legs are
usually extended away from the body to
help improve visibility and prevent
superimposition of structures. This
positioning allows for the assessment of
the ventral aspect of the body, such as the
pelvis, abdomen, or chest, depending on
the area of interest.
6. DORSOVENTRAL:
Animal is placed in a position lying on its chest or
abdomen with the dorsal (back) side facing upward
and the ventral (belly) side facing downward. In this
position, the X-ray beam is directed from above the
dog, passing through the dorsal side of the body,
and the X-ray film or digital receptor is placed
beneath the dog.
When performing DV radiographs, the dog is
typically positioned with its limbs extended and
away from the body to avoid superimposition of
structures. This positioning allows for the
assessment of the dorsal aspect of the body, such as
the spine, ribcage, or other structures depending on
the specific area of the body being imaged.
7. OBLIQUE:
The oblique position is commonly used in
radiography to provide additional
information and a different view of
anatomical structures. By positioning the
dog obliquely, certain structures can be
better visualized, and overlapping structures
can be better differentiated.
For example, when imaging the limbs,
oblique views may be deployed to evaluate
specific joints, bones, or soft tissues from a
different angle. Oblique views can also be
used in conjunction with other standard
views to aid in the diagnosis of certain
conditions or to provide a more
comprehensive assessment.
The specific angles and techniques used for
oblique positioning may vary depending on
the area being imaged and the veterinarian's
preference.
8. MEDIOLATERAL:
involves positioning the dog on its side, with one
side of the body facing the X-ray machine and the
other side away from it. This positioning allows for
the X-rays to pass through the dog from the side and
capture a lateral view of the anatomical structures.
When performing radiographs in the mediolateral
position, the dog is typically placed in a dorsal
recumbency position (lying on its back) and then
gently rolled onto its side. Care is taken to ensure
that the dog is adequately immobilized or sedated, if
necessary, to minimize movement during the
procedure.
Radiographs taken in the mediolateral position are
commonly used to evaluate various body regions,
including the chest, abdomen, pelvis, and limbs. They
provide valuable information about the skeletal
system, such as bones, joints, and fractures, as well as
the soft tissues, such as the heart, lungs, liver,
stomach, intestines, and other organs.
9. DORSOPALMAR:
Animal’s limb is extended and placed flat on the X-ray imaging
surface, with the back of the limb (dorsal aspect) facing down and
the front of the limb (palmar aspect) facing up. This positioning
allows for the X-ray beam to penetrate through the limb from the
dorsal to the palmar side, capturing an image of the bones, joints,
and soft tissues in that orientation.
This position is particularly useful for evaluating fractures,
dislocations, joint abnormalities, and other conditions affecting the
bones and joints of the limb.
10. ULTRASOUND:
Ultrasound is another diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create
images of the internal organs and tissues of the body. It can help diagnose
diseases, infections, inflammation, masses, fluid accumulation, pregnancy
and more.
Unlike radiology, ultrasound is safer for use and do not always require a
set specific position for the animal, (some are commonly used though) but
it does require shaving the fur from the area of interest and applying a gel
to improve contact between the skin and the probe. A brief overview of
some of the various types of ultrasounds and different techniques used in
a veterinary setting are as follows:
11. COMMON
ULTRASOUNDS:
In veterinary medicine, ultrasounds are commonly
used to diagnose conditions affecting the abdomen,
heart, musculoskeletal system, reproductive system,
and eyes.
Abdominal ultrasounds are used to evaluate the
liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, and other abdominal
organs.
Cardiac ultrasounds, also known as
echocardiograms, are used to evaluate the heart and
surrounding blood vessels.
Musculoskeletal ultrasounds are used to evaluate
joints, tendons, and muscles.
Reproductive ultrasounds are used to evaluate the
reproductive organs of both males and females.
Ocular ultrasounds are used to evaluate the eyes
and surrounding structures.
12. TECHNIQUES:
A-MODE
A mode ultrasound is a type of
ultrasound that uses a single
beam of sound waves to create
a one-dimensional image. This
technique is commonly used in
veterinary radiology for
measuring the thickness of
tissues and detecting foreign
objects within the body.
In an A mode ultrasound, the
depth of the tissue is
represented on the y-axis, while
the strength of the returning
echoes is represented on the x-
axis. The resulting image is a
series of peaks and valleys that
can be analyzed to determine
the thickness of the tissue being
imaged.
13. B-MODE:
In B mode ultrasound, the strength of
the returning echoes is used to create
shades of gray on the image, with
brighter areas indicating denser tissues.
This allows veterinarians to visualize the
size, shape, and texture of organs and
detect abnormalities such as tumors or
cysts.
B mode ultrasound, also known as
brightness mode ultrasound, is a
common technique used in veterinary
radiology. It utilizes multiple beams of
sound waves to create a two-
dimensional image of the internal
organs and structures of an animal's
body.
14. M-MODE:
M mode ultrasound, or motion
mode ultrasound, is a specialized
technique that is used to measure the
movement of tissues over time. It is
commonly used in cardiology to
evaluate the function of the heart,
but it can also be used in veterinary
radiology to assess muscle
movement and joint mobility.
In M mode ultrasound, a single
beam of sound waves is directed at
the tissue of interest, and the
returning echoes are plotted over
time. This creates a graph that shows
the movement of the tissue over
time, allowing veterinarians to assess
the function of muscles and joints.
15. DOPPLER:
Doppler ultrasound is a technique that
uses sound waves to measure the velocity
and direction of blood flow within the
body. It is commonly used in veterinary
radiology to evaluate the function of the
heart and blood vessels, as well as to
diagnose conditions such as deep vein
thrombosis.
In doppler ultrasound, a special probe is
used to emit sound waves at a specific
frequency, which bounce off the moving
red blood cells in the bloodstream. The
returning echoes are then analyzed to
determine the speed and direction of
blood flow.
16. HARMONIC:
Harmonic ultrasound is a technique that
uses high-frequency sound waves to create
images of the internal organs and structures
of an animal's body. It is commonly used in
veterinary radiology to improve the clarity
and resolution of ultrasound images,
particularly in difficult-to-image areas such
as the abdomen.
In harmonic ultrasound, the sound waves
are emitted at a higher frequency than in
traditional ultrasound, which results in more
detailed images with better contrast and
fewer artifacts. This makes it easier for
veterinarians to identify abnormalities and
make accurate diagnoses.
17. POWER DOPPLER
ULTRASOUND AND
SONOHYSTEROGRAM:
Power doppler ultrasound is a variation
of doppler ultrasound that is used to
detect low-velocity blood flow. It is
particularly useful in diagnosing
conditions such as ovarian torsion in
female animals. Sonohysterogram is a
specialized ultrasound technique used to
evaluate the uterus and diagnose
conditions such as uterine fibroids or
polyps.
In power doppler ultrasound, the
sensitivity of the doppler probe is
increased to detect even the smallest
amounts of blood flow. In
sonohysterogram, a small amount of fluid
is injected into the uterus, which allows
for better visualization of the uterine
lining and any abnormalities that may be
present.
18. CONCLUSION:
( FINALLY PHEW!)
In conclusion, radiology positioning and
various techniques used in ultrasounds are
essential diagnostic tools in veterinary
medicine. To obtain accurate images,
animals must be held in specific positions,
such as the lateral recumbent, ventrodorsal,
oblique, dorsoventral, dorsopalmar, and
mediolateral positions.
There are also several different types of
ultrasound techniques that can be utilized,
including A-mode, B-mode, M-mode,
Doppler, Harmonic, Power Doppler and
Sonohysterogram. By utilizing these
positions and techniques, veterinarians can
diagnose and treat a wide range of
conditions in animals, helping to improve
their health and overall well-being.
I’M DONE=(o_O)
