Radiological Contrast Studies
Veterinary Assistant Program, Unit 4
Barium Study
A barium study is used to diagnose problems with the intestinal tract.
Procedure:
1. Make sure the animal does not have any feces in the colon or other medical issues by performing a survey radiograph
2. Give the animal barium sulfate solution orally- making sure not to get any barium on the radiology table or equipment
3. Take VD and Lateral radiographs immediately, then every 30 minutes until it reaches the colon.
Procedure:
1. Make sure the animal does not have any feces in the colon or other medical issues by performing a survey radiograph
2. Give the animal barium sulfate solution orally- making sure not to get any barium on the radiology table or equipment
3. Take VD and Lateral radiographs immediately, then every 30 minutes until it reaches the colon.
Intravenous Pyelorogram (IVP)
An IVP is a study used to diagnose problems with the renal system.
Procedure:
1. Make sure the animal does not have any feces in the colon or other medical issues by performing a survey radiograph.
2. Give the animal an IV injection of the contrast study dye.
3. Take VD and lateral radiographs immediately, 5 minutes later, 10 minutes later, 30 minutes later, 1 hour later.
Procedure:
1. Make sure the animal does not have any feces in the colon or other medical issues by performing a survey radiograph.
2. Give the animal an IV injection of the contrast study dye.
3. Take VD and lateral radiographs immediately, 5 minutes later, 10 minutes later, 30 minutes later, 1 hour later.
Myelogram
A myelogram is a contrast study to diagnose diseases in the spinal cord.
Procedure:
1. Animal is anesthetized.
2. A dye is injected into the animal's cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord.
3. Radiographs are taken on a specified interval.
Procedure:
1. Animal is anesthetized.
2. A dye is injected into the animal's cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord.
3. Radiographs are taken on a specified interval.
CAT Scan
Computerized Axial Tomography is used to diagnose many diseases, it gives a 3D image of an area of an animal's body. It uses Xray technology combined with a computer that organizes numerous radiographs taken of the animal into a 3D image.
Procedure:
The animal is sedated and put into a CT scan machine.
Procedure:
The animal is sedated and put into a CT scan machine.
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is used to diagnose many diseases, it gives a very detailed picture of structures within a body. It uses a combination of magnetism, radiowaves and a computer to create a detailed picture.
** It does NOT use radiation
Procedure:
Animal is sedated and put into an MRI machine.
** It does NOT use radiation
Procedure:
Animal is sedated and put into an MRI machine.
Citations
Taylor, Alan. Animals in the News. Digital image. Animals in the News. The Atlantic Photo, 2010. Web. 15 Mar. 2015.
Amy Cooper. Digital image. Ashcollcareers2012. Www.wikispaces.org, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2015.