Diagnostic Imaging CAL

Question 1

What things are normally present in the following in survey radiographs:

a) the stomach and intestinal lumen
b) the colon?

Answer 1

a) Liquid/gas

b) Faeces

Question 2

What types of contrast radiography are available for visualising the GI tract?

Answer 2

Pneumogastrogram
Food + Barium Gastrogram
Double contrast gastrogram
Upper GI contrast study
Barium enemal

Question 3

What do the problems/structures do the following imaging techniques help to visualise?

a) Barium Meal
b) Double contrast study
c) Barium series

Answer 3

a) Assesses gastric emptying
b) visualises the gastric mucosa
c) The upper GI (stomach intestines) - motility and identification of obstructions

Question 4

What angle should a normal dog stomach be at compared to the spine?

Answer 4

Perpendicular

Question 5

What does localised vs. generalised GI distension indicate?

Answer 5

Localised = blockage
Diffuse = hypermotility, parvovirus, electrolyte imbalances etc.

Question 6

What are the normal emptying times for:

a) an adult dog having eaten a barium meal
b) a cat eating a barium meal
c) are emptying times above these necessarily diagnostic?

Answer 6

a) 4-16hrs
b) 4-17hrs
c) no - it is very varied, a prolonged emptying time can be due to nerves. A time >24hrs would be convincing evidence of delayed gastric emptying

Question 7

What is the role of ultrasonography in GI assessment (i.e. what does it assess?

Answer 7

GI wall - appropriate no/thickness of layers
Motility - normal peristaltic movement 4-5mins
Associated organs

Question 8

Are changes to normal anatomy seen on ultrasound diagnostic?

Answer 8

No - ultrasonography is not sensitive so need to always compare results with other findings