• Practical Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging is an essential and practical guide to the various diagnostic imaging modalities that are used in veterinary practice. It moves from basic mathematic and physical principles through to discussion of equipment and practical methods. Radiographic techniques for both small and large animals are covered. There is a separate chapter devoted to ultrasound, as well as discussion of advanced imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy, computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The book also covers legislation and safety issues in the context of their impact on the veterinary practice.

    Presented with clear line diagrams and photographs, Practical Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging also provides revision points and self-assessment questions in each chapter to aid study. It is an ideal guide for student and qualified veterinary nurses. It is also a useful reference for veterinary students and veterinarians in general practice who want a basic guide to radiography and other imaging modalities.

    KEY FEATURES

    • Everything you need to know about diagnostic imaging in veterinary practice in a language you can easily understand
    • The basic principles of physics presented in simple terms
    • Improves your positioning techniques with practical tips for best practice
    • Clear guidance on the use of digital imaging to improve image quality and reduce radiation doses to patients
    • Companion website with additional resources
  • Figure Acknowledgements xi

    1 Essential Mathematics and Physics 1

    Matter, energy, power and heat 1

    Units and prefixes used in radiography 3

    Radiological units 4

    Useful mathematics 7

    Proportions and the inverse square law 7

    2 The Principles of Physics Used in Radiography 11

    Electrostatics – the electric charge 12

    Conductors and insulators 14

    Electricity 14

    Measuring electricity 14

    Types of current 15

    Laws of an electric current 16

    Resistance 16

    Making a circuit – the options 17

    Magnetism 17

    The function and composition of a magnet 19

    Magnetic laws 20

    Electromagnetism – electricity and magnetism in union 21

    Laws of electromagnetic induction 22

    Further reading 23

    3 Inside the Atom 25

    Atoms, elements and other definitions 26

    The ‘Make-Up’ of an atom – atomic structure 27

    Shells and energy 28

    The periodic table 28

    Radioactivity 30

    The effects of an electron changing orbits 30

    Electromagnetic radiation 31

    Frequency and wavelength 32

    Further reading 33

    4 The X-ray Tube 35

    The tube housing 37

    The cathode 39

    The anode 42

    The line focus principle 44

    The anode-heel effect 45

    The stator assembly 45

    Tube rating 46

    How to look after your X-ray tube 47

    Further reading 47

    5 Diagnostic Equipment 49

    The X-ray circuit 50

    What is seen from the outside? 51

    High-voltage generators 51

    Rectification 51

    Mains supply switch 52

    Primary circuit 52

    Operating console 53

    Filament circuit – control of the mA 54

    High-tension circuit – provision of kV 55

    Making an exposure – switches, timers and interlocks 55

    Types of X-ray machines 56

    Health and safety requirements 59

    Power rating 59

    Further reading 59

    6 Production of X-rays 61

    Electron production 62

    Target interactions 63

    X-ray emission spectrum 64

    Altering the emission spectrum 65

    X-ray quantity 68

    X-ray quality 68

    Altering exposure factors 68

    Exposure charts 70

    Further reading 70

    7 The Effects of Radiation 71

    The effect of the X-ray beam striking another atom 72

    Absorption 75

    Attenuation 75

    The effects of ionising radiation on the body 76

    Luminescence 77

    Further reading 78

    8 Control of the Primary Beam and Scatter 79

    Light beam diaphragm 80

    Factors affecting scattered radiation 81

    Function of grids 81

    Construction of a grid 82

    Types of grid 84

    Choosing a grid 85

    Problems with using a grid 85

    Air gap technique 86

    Further reading 86

    9 Radiographic Film 89

    Film construction 90

    Types of film 93

    Formation of the latent image 94

    Care and storage of films 95

    Film sensitivity 96

    Further reading 98

    10 Intensifying Screens and Cassettes 99

    The construction of intensifying screens 100

    Film–screen combinations 101

    Film–screen contact 104

    Care of intensifying screens 104

    Construction of cassettes 105

    Care and use of cassettes 106

    Further reading 106

    11 Processing the Radiographic Film 107

    The stages of processing 108

    Developer 111

    Fixer 112

    Parts of the automatic processor 114

    Replenishment 116

    Silver recovery 117

    The darkroom 118

    Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) regulations 121

    Other methods of processing 121

    Further reading 122

    12 Digital Radiography 125

    Computed radiography 127

    Care of the imaging plate and cassette 129

    Computerised radiography process 129

    Digital radiography 131

    Image storage 133

    Image display 134

    Image quality 135

    Further reading 135

    13 Radiographic Image Quality 137

    Sensitometry 138

    Densitometry 138

    Characteristic curve 139

    Latitude 140

    Density 141

    Contrast 141

    Magnification 144

    Distortion 144

    Movement 145

    Producing a high-quality radiograph 146

    Commonly seen film faults 147

    Further reading 152

    14 Radiation Protection 153

    The effects of ionising radiation on the body 154

    The basics to remember 154

    Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999 155

    Radiation safety in the veterinary practice 155

    Classifying the areas around an X-ray machine 156

    Dose limits 157

    Monitoring devices 158

    Lead shielding 159

    Quality assurance 160

    Further reading 161

    15 Radiography Principles 163

    General principles 164

    Restraint 164

    Positioning aids 165

    Markers and legends 165

    Assessing the radiograph 166

    Terminology 166

    BVA/KC hip dysplasia and elbow scoring scheme 168

    Further reading 169

    16 Contrast Media 171

    Negative contrast medium 172

    Positive contrast medium 172

    Contrast examination procedures 175

    Myelography 182

    Other contrast examinations 184

    Further reading 186

    17 Small Animal Radiography Techniques 189

    Chest 189

    Abdomen 191

    Head and neck 192

    Distal extremities 196

    Shoulder 198

    Pelvis 200

    Spine 201

    Small mammals 202

    Birds 203

    Reptiles 204

    18 Large Animal Radiography Techniques 205

    Foot 205

    Fetlock 207

    Metacarpus and metatarsus (cannon and splint) 209

    Carpus 209

    Elbow 211

    Shoulder 212

    Tarsus 213

    Stifle 214

    Head 216

    Spine 216

    Chest 217

    19 Introduction to Ultrasound 219

    Sound waves 220

    Ultrasound 220

    How ultrasound works 220

    Types of ultrasound scan 222

    Doppler ultrasound 223

    Effects on tissue 224

    Ultrasound machines and transducers 224

    Patient preparation 225

    Areas suitable for examination 225

    Further reading 226

    20 Advance Imaging Techniques 227

    Fluoroscopy 228

    Computerised tomography (CT) 230

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 232

    Nuclear scintigraphy 234

    Further reading 238

    Index

  • Suzanne Easton is Senior Lecturer specialising in diagnostic imaging in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the University of the West of England.

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