Veterinary Radiology Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Presented by Dr. Deja and Anthony Fet
• Focus on supporting NAVLE preparation, especially in Radiology
• Anthony Fet: Veterinary Radiologist at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, NYC
• Topics covered: Cardiovascular and Respiratory systems in radiology

Cardiovascular Radiology in Dogs and Cats

Normal Radiographic Anatomy

• Dogs: Veins are ventral and central; arteries are lateral
• Cats: Harder to distinguish due to smaller size

Cardiomegaly

• Left Atrial Enlargement:
  • Common in small breed dogs due to mitral valve degeneration
  • Look for dorsal displacement of trachea, "backpack sign"
  • Can lead to coughing
• Pulmonary Edema:
  • Caused by mitral regurgitation
  • Key feature: Caudodorsal lung patterns

Heartworm Disease

• Dogs:
  • Large, distended pulmonary arteries
  • Commonly leads to pulmonary hypertension
• Cats:
  • Initially large arteries, later a bronchointerstitial pattern

Respiratory Radiology

Feline Lower Airway Disease

• Asthma vs. Bronchitis:
  • Both show bronchial patterns on radiographs
  • Right middle lung lobe collapse common

Tracheal Collapse in Dogs

• Most common in small breeds
• Characteristic honking cough
• Associated with large liver

Megaesophagus

• Associated with chronic regurgitation
• Risk of aspiration pneumonia, especially in right middle lung lobe

Diaphragmatic Hernia

• Look for abdominal organs in thoracic cavity
• Often due to trauma

Pneumothorax

• Look for displaced cardiac silhouette
• Black areas indicating air in pleural space

Lung Masses (NAG lesions)

• Neoplasia, Abscess, Granuloma
• Well-defined round masses, often metastatic disease

Non-Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

• Causes: Electrocution, seizures, choking
• Caudodorsal distribution on radiographs

Lymphadenopathy

• Tracheobronchial lymph node enlargement can mimic left atrial enlargement

Conclusion

• Next session to cover abdominal and musculoskeletal systems
• Encouragement to ask questions and good luck on exams

These notes summarize key points from a veterinary radiology lecture focusing on radiographic interpretation for cardiovascular and respiratory systems, especially relevant for NAVLE exam preparation.