• Small Animal Radiographic Techniques and Positioning is a practical, clinically applicable manual designed to aid veterinary technicians and nurses in correcting common artifacts in both film and digital radiography and in positioning the small animal patient for clear and consistent radiographs. Detailed positioning techniques are provided for each commonly radiographed body segment, including positioning aids, alternative restraint methods, and examples of the corresponding correct or incorrect radiographs. Species covered include dogs, cats, birds, and common exotics.

    The book begins with an overview of radiographic technique, darkroom maintenance, digital and film-screen imaging, then offers a section on small animal positioning, including some exotic species positioning techniques, with the final section presenting information on contrast media and special contrast enhanced procedures. A companion website provides the images from the book in PowerPoint and study questions and answers at www.wiley.com/go/ayers. Highly illustrated, Small Animal Radiographic Techniques and Positioning is a complete resource for any veterinary technician or student to quickly find imaging information and improve the clarity of small animal radiographs.

  • Foreword xi

    Preface xiii

    Acknowledgments xv

    Section 1. Theory and Equipment 3

    1. Introduction to Digital Imaging 5

    Definition and Principles of Digital Imaging 5

    Digital Radiography 6

    Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine 6

    Picture Archiving and Communication System 6

    Workstation Monitors 7

    Computed Radiography 10

    Direct and Indirect Conversion Radiography 11

    Digital Image Processing 12

    2. Principles of Film-Screen Radiography 17

    X-ray Film Construction 17

    Intensifying Screens 18

    Common Principles of Film-Screen and Digital Radiography 20

    3. The Radiographic System 21

    Basic Component Overview 21

    X-ray Tube 21

    Fluoroscopy 24

    Secondary or Scatter Radiation 25

    Grids 27

    Milliamperage and Kilovoltage 28

    Technique Chart 28

    Overexposure vs. Underexposure 32

    Patient Log 33

    4. Darkroom Maintenance and Film Processing 37

    Darkroom Setup 37

    Manual Film Processing 38

    Automatic Film Processing 39

    Automatic Film Processor Maintenance 41

    Silver Recovery Cartridges 42

    Safelights 42

    Film Storage and Handling 43

    Patient Identifi cation Labeling 44

    Care and Maintenance of Film Cassettes 45

    5. Film-Screen and Digital Imaging Artifacts 49

    Exposure Artifacts 49

    Darkroom Processing Artifacts 52

    Film Storage Artifacts 54

    Digital Imaging Artifacts 54

    6. Positioning Aids and Alternative Restraint 57

    Safe Use of Restraint Devices 57

    Sedated Patient Restraint 59

    7. Radiation Safety 61

    Health Physics 61

    Radiologic Units 61

    ALARA Concept 65

    Section 2. Radiographic Positioning 69

    8. General Principles and Terminology 71

    Positioning Terminology 72

    Room Setup 74

    Patient Preparation 74

    Horizontal Beam Views 76

    9. Small Animal Positioning—Forelimb 79

    Scapula 79

    Shoulder 82

    Bicipital Groove 85

    Humerus 87

    Elbow 90

    Radius and Ulna 94

    Carpus 95

    Metacarpus, Digits 100

    10. Small Animal Positioning—Pelvis and Hind Limb 103

    Pelvis 103

    OFA Imaging 109

    PennHIP Information 111

    Femur 114

    Stifle 117

    Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) 123

    Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) 127

    Tibia and Fibula 129

    Tarsus 133

    Metatarsus and Digits 138

    11. Small Animal Positioning—Spine 143

    Cervical Spine 144

    Thoracic Spine and Thoraco-Lumbar Spine 149

    Lumbar Spine 152

    LS Spine 155

    Sacrum 159

    Caudal Spine 160

    12. Small Animal Positioning—Thorax, Soft Tissue Neck, and Abdomen 163

    Thorax 163

    Soft Tissue Neck 166

    Abdomen 167

    13. Small Animal Positioning—Skull 171

    Cranium 171

    Nasal 174

    Maxilla 179

    Mandible 183

    Temporomandibular Joints 187

    Tympanic Bullae 191

    14. Exotic Pet Imaging 197

    Avian 197

    Small Mammals 200

    Reptile 202

    Section 3. Contrast Media and Special Procedures 207

    15. Radiopaque Contrast Media 209

    Types of Radiopaque Contrast Media 209

    Ionic and Nonionic Contrast Agents 209

    Barium Sulfate 213

    16. Special Imaging Procedures 215

    Special Procedure—Esophagram (Static) 215

    Esophagram—Fluoroscopic/Dynamic 216

    Special Procedure—Upper GI 217

    Special Procedure—Gastrogram 219

    Special Procedure—Lower GI—Barium Enema 221

    Special Procedure—Excretory Urogram 222

    Special Procedure—Cystography 225

    Special Procedure—Urethrography 230

    Special Procedure—Vaginography 231

    Special Procedure—Myelography 233

    Special Procedure—Myelography—Avian 236

    Special Procedure—Myelography—Rabbit 237

    Special Procedure—Fistulography 238

    Special Procedure—Arthrography 239

    References 241

    Webliography 242

    Index 243

  • Mary H. (Susie) Ayers, BBA, RT(R) is the senior radiologic technologist at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, with over 23 years of experience working in veterinary medicine.

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