Practical Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

Practical Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging is an essential and practical guide to the various diagnostic imaging modalities that are used in veterinary practice. It moves from basic mathematic and physical principles through to discussion of equipment and practical methods. Radiographic techniques for both small and large animals are covered. There is a separate chapter devoted to ultrasound, as well as discussion of advanced imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy, computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The book also covers legislation and safety issues in the context of their impact on the veterinary practice. Presented with clear line diagrams and photographs, Practical Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging also provides revision points and self-assessment questions in each chapter to aid study. It is an ideal guide for student and qualified veterinary nurses. It is also a useful reference for veterinary students and veterinarians in general practice who want a basic guide to radiography and other imaging modalities. KEY FEATURES Everything you need to know about diagnostic imaging in veterinary practice in a language you can easily understand The basic principles of physics presented in simple terms Improves your positioning techniques with practical tips for best practice Clear guidance on the use of digital imaging to improve image quality and reduce radiation doses to patients Companion website with additional resources (available at www.wiley.com/go/easton/diagnosticimaging)

Table of Contents:
Figure Acknowledgements xi 1 Essential Mathematics and Physics 1 Matter, energy, power and heat 1 Units and prefixes used in radiography 3 Radiological units 4 Useful mathematics 7 Proportions and the inverse square law 7 2 The Principles of Physics Used in Radiography 11 Electrostatics – the electric charge 12 Conductors and insulators 14 Electricity 14 Measuring electricity 14 Types of current 15 Laws of an electric current 16 Resistance 16 Making a circuit – the options 17 Magnetism 17 The function and composition of a magnet 19 Magnetic laws 20 Electromagnetism – electricity and magnetism in union 21 Laws of electromagnetic induction 22 Further reading 23 3 Inside the Atom 25 Atoms, elements and other definitions 26 The ‘Make-Up’ of an atom – atomic structure 27 Shells and energy 28 The periodic table 28 Radioactivity 30 The effects of an electron changing orbits 30 Electromagnetic radiation 31 Frequency and wavelength 32 Further reading 33 4 The X-ray Tube 35 The tube housing 37 The cathode 39 The anode 42 The line focus principle 44 The anode-heel effect 45 The stator assembly 45 Tube rating 46 How to look after your X-ray tube 47 Further reading 47 5 Diagnostic Equipment 49 The X-ray circuit 50 What is seen from the outside? 51 High-voltage generators 51 Rectification 51 Mains supply switch 52 Primary circuit 52 Operating console 53 Filament circuit – control of the mA 54 High-tension circuit – provision of kV 55 Making an exposure – switches, timers and interlocks 55 Types of X-ray machines 56 Health and safety requirements 59 Power rating 59 Further reading 59 6 Production of X-rays 61 Electron production 62 Target interactions 63 X-ray emission spectrum 64 Altering the emission spectrum 65 X-ray quantity 68 X-ray quality 68 Altering exposure factors 68 Exposure charts 70 Further reading 70 7 The Effects of Radiation 71 The effect of the X-ray beam striking another atom 72 Absorption 75 Attenuation 75 The effects of ionising radiation on the body 76 Luminescence 77 Further reading 78 8 Control of the Primary Beam and Scatter 79 Light beam diaphragm 80 Factors affecting scattered radiation 81 Function of grids 81 Construction of a grid 82 Types of grid 84 Choosing a grid 85 Problems with using a grid 85 Air gap technique 86 Further reading 86 9 Radiographic Film 89 Film construction 90 Types of film 93 Formation of the latent image 94 Care and storage of films 95 Film sensitivity 96 Further reading 98 10 Intensifying Screens and Cassettes 99 The construction of intensifying screens 100 Film–screen combinations 101 Film–screen contact 104 Care of intensifying screens 104 Construction of cassettes 105 Care and use of cassettes 106 Further reading 106 11 Processing the Radiographic Film 107 The stages of processing 108 Developer 111 Fixer 112 Parts of the automatic processor 114 Replenishment 116 Silver recovery 117 The darkroom 118 Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) regulations 121 Other methods of processing 121 Further reading 122 12 Digital Radiography 125 Computed radiography 127 Care of the imaging plate and cassette 129 Computerised radiography process 129 Digital radiography 131 Image storage 133 Image display 134 Image quality 135 Further reading 135 13 Radiographic Image Quality 137 Sensitometry 138 Densitometry 138 Characteristic curve 139 Latitude 140 Density 141 Contrast 141 Magnification 144 Distortion 144 Movement 145 Producing a high-quality radiograph 146 Commonly seen film faults 147 Further reading 152 14 Radiation Protection 153 The effects of ionising radiation on the body 154 The basics to remember 154 Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999 155 Radiation safety in the veterinary practice 155 Classifying the areas around an X-ray machine 156 Dose limits 157 Monitoring devices 158 Lead shielding 159 Quality assurance 160 Further reading 161 15 Radiography Principles 163 General principles 164 Restraint 164 Positioning aids 165 Markers and legends 165 Assessing the radiograph 166 Terminology 166 BVA/KC hip dysplasia and elbow scoring scheme 168 Further reading 169 16 Contrast Media 171 Negative contrast medium 172 Positive contrast medium 172 Contrast examination procedures 175 Myelography 182 Other contrast examinations 184 Further reading 186 17 Small Animal Radiography Techniques 189 Chest 189 Abdomen 191 Head and neck 192 Distal extremities 196 Shoulder 198 Pelvis 200 Spine 201 Small mammals 202 Birds 203 Reptiles 204 18 Large Animal Radiography Techniques 205 Foot 205 Fetlock 207 Metacarpus and metatarsus (cannon and splint) 209 Carpus 209 Elbow 211 Shoulder 212 Tarsus 213 Stifle 214 Head 216 Spine 216 Chest 217 19 Introduction to Ultrasound 219 Sound waves 220 Ultrasound 220 How ultrasound works 220 Types of ultrasound scan 222 Doppler ultrasound 223 Effects on tissue 224 Ultrasound machines and transducers 224 Patient preparation 225 Areas suitable for examination 225 Further reading 226 20 Advance Imaging Techniques 227 Fluoroscopy 228 Computerised tomography (CT) 230 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 232 Nuclear scintigraphy 234 Further reading 238 Index 239

About the Author :
Suzanne Easton is Senior Lecturer specialising in diagnostic imaging in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the University of the West of England.

Review :
“This textbook provides a nice overview of the technical aspects of veterinary radiology and will be useful for veterinary technicians and veterinary students.”  (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 15 September 2013) “In summary, this book fills an important niche in the market and will be particularly useful as a quick and concise reference for all in the practice. Additionally, it will provide a useful initial text for those embarking on diagnostic radiography.”  (The Veterinary Journal, 1 August2013) “In summary, Practical veterinary diagnostic imaging is a radiography textbook that is suitable for veterinary and veterinary nurse students who would like to increase their knowledge.”  (Australian Veterinary Journal, 1 March 2013) “Readers looking for a concise overview or review of diagnostic imaging physics and positioning will find that this book fits the bill.”  (Doody’s, 4 January 2013) "Students and veterinary nurses alike receive a handy reference to everything needed to know about diagnostic imaging in veterinary practice, including the basic principles of physics: all accompanied by illustrations key to understanding."  (Midwest Book Reviews, 1 December 2012) “My first impressions of this colourfully bound paperback are that it is inviting, and not as intimidating as some veterinary books. It clearly delivers what it promises, but lacks something in the monochrome presentation of all the text, photographs, figures and diagrams. It is, though, a welcome resource for any veterinary practice.”  (Veterinary Record, 20 October 2012)