They are therefore used to assess solid structures and are particularly useful in areas with contrasting densities, such as in the thorax. X-rays are a common imaging modality used in veterinary clinics due to their ability to penetrate tissue, and so reveal internal structures. In many ways, we can consider radiographs to be the optimal middle ground in imaging technology for the diagnosis of a remarkable variety of conditions. Gonadal shielding is recommended for male dogs.X-Rays are a very commonly used diagnostic technique in veterinary clinics.įeline patients are notoriously reticent when it comes to overt signs of pain and illness, and therefore diagnostic imaging plays a vital role in the assessment of cats in veterinary clinics.ĭespite the inherent radiation risks, radiographs are a non-invasive tool with fewer complications or unwanted sequellae than more invasive diagnostic modalities, but a higher sensitivity and specificity for many conditions than most less invasive techniques. Radiation Safety: Proper collimation and protection of attendants is the responsibility of the veterinarian. Grid techniques are recommended for all large dogs. Good contrast is desirable (high mAs, low kVp). Films may be returned if a $5.00 fee and request for return are both included at the time of submission. This will require about a 15% increase in the kVp to make an exact duplicate of the radiograph sent to OFA. If a copy is necessary, ask your veterinarian to insert 2 films in the cassette prior to making the exposure. Small film sizes can be used for smaller breeds if the area between the sacrum and the stifles can be included. The OFA recommends evaluation when the dog is in good physical condition.Ĭhemical restraint (anesthesia) is not required by OFA but chemical restraint to the point of muscle relaxation is recommended. With chemical restraint, optimum patient positioning is easier with minimal repeat radiographs (less radiation exposure) and a truer representation of the hip status is obtained.įor large and giant breed dogs, 14″ x 17″ film size is recommended. Physical inactivity because of illness, weather, or the owner’s management practices may also result in some degree of joint laxity. Radiography of females in estrus or pregnant should be avoided due to possible increased joint laxity (subluxation) from hormonal variations. OFA recommends radiographs be taken one month after weaning pups and one month before or after a heat cycle. Sire and dam information should also be present. It is important to record on the OFA application the animal’s tattoo or microchip number in order for the OFA to submit results to the AKC. Both the owner and vet should complete and sign their respective sections of the OFA application. If this required information is illegible or missing, the OFA cannot accept the film for registration purposes. The radiograph must be permanently identified with the animal’s registration number or name, the date the radiograph was taken, and the veterinarian’s name or hospital name. For elbows, the animal is placed on its side and the respective elbow is placed in an extreme flexed position. Chemical restraint (anesthesia) to the point of relaxation is recommended. The knees (stifles) are rotated internally and the pelvis is symmetric. To obtain this view, the animal must be placed on its back in dorsal recumbency with the rear limbs extended and parallel to each other. This view is accepted world wide for detection and assessment of hip joint irregularities and secondary arthritic hip joint changes. Radiographs submitted to the OFA should follow the American Veterinary Medical Association recommendations for positioning.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |