“Thoracic radiography in dogs
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Date
2018-07-23
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CSKHPKV, Palampur
Abstract
The present study was done for standardization of thoracic radiography, to record prevalence of thoracic disorders and to develop a ready-reckoner atlas of thoracic radiography in dogs. The formulation of tentative radiographic technique charts were done by conducting radiographic trials in four healthy dogs of different age-groups and their validation was done subsequently in 20 dogs. The SOP for thoracic radiography in dogs was established based on the observations made during the entire study period. The role of post-processing digital image-editing to improve radiographic details was evaluated. The prevalence of thoracic disorders in dogs was calculated on the basis of clinical cases presented during the period of study. The ready-reckoner atlas for thoracic radiography of dogs was prepared using radiographs of healthy and diseased dogs. The results revealed that a high kVp and low mAs setting for thoracic radiography in dogs provides satisfactory long scale of contrast on a consistent basis. Radiographic exposure done at peak inspiration stage, provides maximum contrast to thoracic images resulting in improved details. Three radiographic views i.e. right lateral, left lateral and DV or VD are essential to evaluate the thorax in its entirety but left lateral and dorsoventral projections provide better detail of pulmonary vasculature. All the radiographs taken during validation process of technique charts could be improved from ‘fair’ to ‘good’ quality using digital image-editing software. The regional incidence of thoracic disorders in dogs was 4.84 per cent with a higher distribution in senile age-group and males but more incidences in females. The VHS range was 9.5-11.06 and tracheal-thoracic inlet ratio 0.15-0.20 in healthy dogs of different breeds. CVC/T6 ratio range was 0.66-0.92, CVC/R4 ratio 1.5-2.03, CrLA/R4 ratio 0.5-0.85 and CdLA/R9 ratio was 0.78-0.95. Pulmonary metastasis (35.7%) was the most common thoracic disorders seen in dogs followed by cardiomegaly (26.7%), bronchitis (10.7%), pleural effusion (5.35%), pneumothorax (3.57%), bronchopneumonia, pulmonary bullous, mediastinal haematoma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung congestion, lung oedema and diaphragmatic hernia (1.78% each). A ready-reckoner of thoracic radiography in dogs underscored the differences between normal and abnormal radiographic features to understand various disease process in a comprehensive manner.
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