RADIOLOGY
A
radiograph is an image generated by x-rays passing through
an object and exposing film. X-rays penetrate different parts
of the body at different rates depending on its density. For
example, air is much less dense than bone and therefore it
is easy to see the difference (air is black and bone is white).
Fat and fluid are of medium density and offer contrast to
the surrounding body structures. Furthermore, in order to
obtain clear radiographic images in veterinary medicine several
things must be done. First our x-ray machine operates at a
high level for short periods of time to minimize motion. We
have yet to have a patient respond when we ask them to "take
a deep breath and hold it". Secondly, we use x-ray cassettes
with intensifying screens to reduce our exposure time, which
again reduces motion and is safer for our staff. Finally,
we use an automatic processor. This machine develops our radiographs
in 60-90 seconds allowing us to evaluate them right away and
when necessary take additional views.
Our
300MA x-ray unit is located next surgery in a special room.
It is here we will evaluate patients for abnormalities such
as:
| Broken Bones |
Pregnancy |
Pneumonia |
| Spinal Abnormalities |
Heart Disease |
Intestinal
Obstructions |
In
some cases, contrast material (dye, barium, air) is used to
evaluate the urinary and gastrointestinal system. Below is
a radiograph of a patient with a foreign object (tennisball)
lodged in the small intestine. The white substance barium
that failed to pass through the intestines identifying the
blockage.
These
studies along with regular radiographs, combined in some instances
with ultrasound, are necessary to diagnose a disease process.
The radiographs are evaluated by the doctor, appropriate notations
made in the patient's medical record, and then filed for future
reference.
Intra
oral radiography is becoming an important diagnostic tool
in veterinary dentistry. This machine is similar to the one
in your dentist's office. However, the control panel is specially
designed for dog and cat mouths. With a push of a button the
machine settings may be changed from a molar to an incisor
tooth. Dental radiographs are of a very high quality and allow
us to evaluate teeth in great detail. These radiographs allow
us to evaluate for disease under the gum line or inside a
tooth.
Our
feline patients have benefited when diagnosed with "cavities"
called FORL'S. In many cases other FORL'S exist but are not
apparent without a set of radiographs. Periodontal disease
is another instance in which radiographs help us to decide
whether a tooth should be extracted or not. A radiograph will
direct us on which technique should be used to extract a tooth
to insure the whole root is removed. 
Special
procedures, such as root planning and subginigival scaling
also offer better results if evaluated by x-rays. Finally,
periodontal disease may weaken the surrounding bone and may
require a bone implant after extraction to stimulate new bone
growth. Intra-oral radiographs are the only way possible to
assess whether this procedure needs to be performed.
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