Veterinary Radiology Lecture Notes

References

• Textbooks:
  • Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology by Trall
  • Veterinary Radiology: Basic Principle and Processing by Apising and Jitsing
  • Carlson Veterinary Radiology
  • An additional book by Carry.

History of Radiology

• Father of Radiology: Dr. R. Berlin.
• X-ray Discovery: WC Rangen on 8 November 1895.
  • Awarded the first Nobel Prize in Physics on 10 December 1901.
• First X-ray: Rangen's wife’s hand, showing her ceremonial ring.
• Terminology:
  • Radiology: Diagnostic and therapeutic use of radiant energy.
  • Veterinary Radiology: Application in animals for diagnosis and therapy.
  • Radiologist: Qualified person in radiant energy applications.
  • Radiographer: Technical expert in obtaining quality radiographs.
  • Radiograph: Developed permanent impression of an organ after X-ray exposure.
  • Latent Image: Initial image after X-ray exposure, before development.

Applications of Radiology

• Diagnosis: Identifying fractures, evaluating treatments, and determining age.
• Therapy: Used in treatment planning and evaluation.
• Teaching: Radiographic anatomy and aiding in veterinary education.
• Special Diagnostics: Osteomedullography for bloodline evaluation post-fracture.

Ionizing Radiation

• Definition: Radiation capable of ionizing atoms by removing electrons.
• Types:
  • Particulate/Corpuscular: e.g., Alpha and beta particles.
  • Electromagnetic Radiation: e.g., X-rays, light waves, heat waves.

Properties of X-rays

• No charge, no mass, travel at the speed of light, invisible, travel in straight lines.
• Wavelength: 0.1 to 0.5.
• Energy: 25 to 125 electron volts, typically 30 to 100 kilo volts for diagnostic purposes.
• Uses: Diagnostic imaging, cancer treatment with higher energy.

Image Production Terminology

• Primary Radiation: Directly from X-ray machine.
• Remnant Radiation: Radiation that passes through the body and strikes the radiographic film.
• Scatter Radiation: Decreases radiographic quality, needs to be minimized.
• Radiolucent: Material absorbing the least amount of X-rays.
• Radio Opaque: Material absorbing the most amount of X-rays.

Reading Radiographs

• Recognize different opacities: Air (black), Fat (gray), Soft tissue, Bone (white), Metal (brightest).
• Directional Terms: Essential for accurate X-ray interpretation.
  • Cranial/Caudal: Head/Tail direction.
  • Dorsal/Ventral: Back/Belly direction.
  • Rostral: Towards the nose.
  • Palmar/Plantar: Front/Back of the limbs.
• Views:
  • Ventro Dorsal (VD) View: X-ray enters through the belly, exits through the back.
  • Dorso Ventral (DV) View: X-ray enters through the back, exits through the belly.
  • Lateral View: Can be right or left lateral recumbency.
  • Antero-Posterior View: X-ray enters from the front and exits from the back.
  • Medio-Lateral View: X-ray enters from the medial side and exits from the lateral side.

Practical Tips

• Always take two views at 90-degree angles for accurate diagnosis.
• Special protocols apply for different body parts and suspected conditions.
  • Thoracic Cavity: Minimum of three views (right lateral, left lateral, DV or VD).
  • Heart Conditions: Prefer DV view.
• Proper Orientation: Essential for interpretation.
  • Cranial/Rostral/Dorsal oriented to the left or top.
  • Caudal/Ventral oriented down or to the right.

Summary

• Always follow standardized protocols for X-ray imaging and reading for accurate results. Proper orientation and understanding of different types of radiations and imaging views are crucial for effective veterinary care.