How to Get More Out of My X Rays

A radiographic study is an important diagnostic test that is used in many patients pre- senting for evaluation beyond routine preventative care. radiographs give an insight into the tissues and organs of the animal, and reveal changes in gross pathology in the living patient. We rely on them to localize the animal’s source of illness to a particular organ system when it’s not clear from the history and physical exam, as well as to pro- vide specific diagnoses in cases where the abnormalities are characteristic of a condi- tion. they are used to refine the initial list of clinical differential diagnoses, to re-order, rule out, and add additional possibilities.

Because the entire body part being imaged is represented as varying densities superim- posed on each other on the radiograph, there is a wealth of information present. the standard projections used to image body areas are the workhorse of radiology and are often sufficient. However, there are many strategies that can be used in daily practice to maximize the diagnostic utility of radiographs and to gain the critical insight needed to make clinical diagnoses and decisions for patient care.

The most basic way to maximize the information visible on radiographs is to optimize technique and positioning, and obtain consistent, high quality images. animals should be symmetrically positioned and parallel to the table and the x-ray beam for thoracic, abdominal, and musculoskeletal radiographs. rotation and superimposition can hide abnormalities or create shadows that represent superimposition rather than abnormal findings.

In the thorax, there is significant compression of the dependent lung when taking a lat- eral radiograph. this decreases the air-soft tissue contrast between infiltrates and aer- ated lung, and can cause missed lesions. i recommend always taking a 3-view thoracic study to allow the left and right lungs to be fully inflated in the lateral position. [...]