Small Animal Radiology and Ultrasound: A Diagnostic Atlas and Text

254 Small Animal Radiolo g y and Ultrasono graphy
Fig. 3-5 A radiograph of a 2-monthold
female Doberman Pinscher suspected
of having eaten an earring.
There is poor abdominal detail,
which is normal for a juvenile animal.
No foreign bodies are seen.
Diagnosis: Normal juvenile
abdomen.
Fig. 3-6 A 3-year-old female domestic
short-haired cat with a 4-week history
of anorexia and lethargy. There is
a homogenous tissue density in the
abdomen that prevents visualization
of the normal abdominal structures.
The ventral body wall is pendulous,
which suggests the presence of
intraabdominal contents. Differential
diagnoses include peritoneal fluid
accumulation, emaciation, or a juvenile
abdomen. Diagnosis: Peritoneal
effusion due to FIP
G E N E R A L T Y P E S O F R A D I O G R A P H I C A N D U LT R A S O N O G R A P H I C
C H A N G E S
Analysis of a radiograph can reveal only the size, shape, density, position, and architecture
of structures. Using this information, the veterinarian provides the necessary knowledge
concerning anatomy, physiology, and pathology to develop an interpretation. Therefore
knowledge of the appearance of the normal structures and variations among individuals,
breeds, and species is critical. If there is any doubt about a structure, it is helpful to refer to
a radiograph of another animal of the same breed for comparison.
Ultrasonographic examination reveals the size, shape, echogenicity, position, and internal
architecture of abdominal structures. 6-8 It provides information about the internal structure
of most tissue-dense abdominal organs that cannot be obtained from the radiograph. The