Download VETT 116 Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging 1 Syllabus Review

Week Eleven
VETT 116: Veterinary Diagnostic Imagine 1
Overview of Week 11
There are times in veterinary medicine that regular radiographs are not
sufficient as diagnostic tools and additional techniques must be used.
Contrast studies, ultrasound, CT and MRI imaging can be used in these
cases to accurately diagnose the patient.
In order to best assist in the diagnostic process, it is necessary to gain
basic understanding of these procedures and the materials they are
associated with. This week, we will look at each
of these imagine techniques and discuss how
they are performed and when they are
warranted.
VETT 116: Veterinary Diagnostic Imagine 1
Week 11 Objectives
Objectives:
Become familiar with the concept of alternative radiographic
techniques used in veterinary medicine.
List and describe the purpose for radiographic contrast studies in
various systems.
Become familiar with ultrasound terminology and the basics of
ultrasonography.
List use and purpose of CT scanning in veterinary medicine.
Become familiar the use of MRIs in veterinary medicine and
precautions used with this imaging technique.

VETT 116: Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging 1
Important Dates and Deadlines
•Week 10 assignment due date
•Week 12 Final exam, all assignments due
Please see the Student Handbook for a complete schedule
with calendar due dates.
VETT 116: Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging 1
RADIOGRAPHIC CONTRAST MEDIA
Contrast medium = a substance that is either radiolucent or
radiopaque and can be administered to an animal to increase
radiographic contrast within an organ or system.
There are four types of contrast media used in veterinary
medicine.
1)
2)
3)
4)
Radiolucent gases- air, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide
Insoluble inert radiopaque medium- barium sulfate
Soluble ionic radiopaque medium- iothalamate, diatrizoate
Soluble nonionic radiopaque medium- iohexol,
iopamidol
These are divided into two basic categories:
•Positive-contrast agents (high specific gravity)
•Negative-contrast agents (low specific gravity)
VETT 116: Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging 1
Ultrasound
Ultrasound = non-invasive method of producing a
diagnostic image based on the penetration of a sound wave
to and from tissues in the body.
•Ultrasound Basics
•Patient Preparation
•Display Modes
•Ultrasound Image
•Artifacts
•Ultrasound Examinations
VETT 116: Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging 1
Computed Tomography
A Computed Tomography (CT) scan is obtained by passing a very
thin X-ray beam through the body at multiple sites and measuring
attenuation. The computer then gathers the information and forms a
cross-sectional image out of the data.
CT scan Advantages:
•Greatly improved contrast
•Spatial Resolution
•Cross-sectional presentation
Most commonly used for head and spinal cord examinations
(neurologic disease)
VETT 116: Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging 1
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI imaging is similar to CT imaging
as it also uses thin slices of crosssectional anatomy. However, it does
not use ionizing radiation to create the
image and does use magnets.
MRI is superior to CT in:
•Image resolution
•Anatomic definition
•Sensitivity to tissue
Two types of MRI units/magnets:
Low field strength
High field strength (superconductive)
VETT 116: Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging 1
Additional Resources
CT Applications in Veterinary Medicine
What is Ultrasound?
How MRI Works
Advanced Veterinary
Technologies