RadiographingVeterinary

EmergenciesJane MacLellan

Common Veterinary Emergencies Gastric dilation-volvulus Hit by car Intestinal obstruction Blocked cat Respiratory distress Dystocia Toxicity Hemangiosarcoma

Radiographing Emergencies Stabilize first! Radiographs are not a treatment

Gastric Dilation-Volvulus Normal stomach

Parallel to ribs on Lateral view Pylorus on right Fundus on left

Gastric Dilation-Volvulus Acute gastric dilation

Stomach distended with gas, fluid, food. Pylorus and fundus in the normal position

Gastric dilation-volvulus Stomach is rotated Pylorus is shifted dorsally and to the left = key to diagnosing GDV Lateral views are of most value

Left lateral pylorus filled with fluid Right lateral pylorus filled with gas = Pylorus on left = GDV

Compartmentalization

Hit by Car Thorax

Lung contusions Pneumothorax Broken ribs Hemothorax

Abdomen Loss of detail

Hit by Car Musculoskeletal

Fractures Luxations

HBC - Thorax

HBC - Abdomen

HBC - Musculoskeletal

Intestinal Obstruction Vomiting, lethargy, anorexia Dilation of bowel loops orad to obstruction

Longer duration = greater distension Distal obstruction = greater amount of distended loops

Partial obstructions are less obvious Frequent vomiting can remove gas/fluid Mineral/Metal are easily seen Non-mineralized/metalic objects difficult to see

Intestinal Obstruction Linear FB

Plicated appearance Short gas filled tubes

Additional information to confirm obstruction Serial radiographs Contrast studies

Barium swallow Ultrasound

Bone Foreign Body

Linear Foreign Body

Contrast Study

Respiratory Distress Many differentials

Pneumonia Congestive heart failure Pneumothorax Pleural effusion Thoracic mass

Radiographs can tell us A LOT

Pneumothorax

Pneumonia

Congestive Heart Failure

Dystocia Radiographs are useful to detect:

Position of fetus Size of fetus Number of fetuses left Whether fetus is still alive

Dystocia

Blocked Cat Radiographs shouldn’t be your first step

Unblock the cat first!

Once unblocked, may be helpful Stones Crystals

If can’t unblock Location of the obstruction

Blocked Cat

Blocked Cat

Toxicity Loss of detail

Toxicity

Ruptured Hemangiosarcoma Loss of detail Abdominal mass Globoid heart - pericardial effusion

Basketball heart

Ruptured Hemangiosarcoma